Foreign Media: "Considered Courtesy and Consideration for Others"
"No Need to Wear Makeup or Force a Smile"
Although Asian countries including Korea have eased mask mandates and related regulations, foreign media analysis suggests that many people will continue wearing masks for some time.
On the 1st (local time), the NYT focused on Korea and Japan, stating that even though Asian governments have relaxed mask regulations, people are unlikely to completely stop wearing masks anytime soon.
The NYT cited reasons such as mask-wearing becoming a habit that is hard to change, health authorities still recommending mask use, masks being seen as a consideration for others, and the protective effects of masks against pollution like fine dust.
On the morning of the 30th of last month, when the indoor mask mandate was lifted, students wearing masks and those without masks were waiting together to start class in the same classroom at Gwangjang Elementary School in Gwangjang-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul. Photo by Younghan Heo younghan@
The NYT analyzed that in Asia, where mask-wearing habits existed even before COVID-19 due to outbreaks like SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) in 2002 and MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) in 2012, mask-wearing during the two-year pandemic has become a difficult habit to change.
The NYT also added that in Korea and Japan, some people find it convenient that wearing masks eliminates the need to apply makeup or manage facial expressions such as smiling.
Familiarity with mask-wearing since infectious disease outbreaks like SARS and MERS... Health authorities also recommend wearing masks
Specifically, the NYT pointed out that although the governments of Korea and Japan do not strictly require mask-wearing, they continue to recommend it, which is a factor in people continuing to wear masks.
In Korea, mask-wearing is still mandatory on public transportation and in medical institutions, and although Japan has declared that masks are not necessary outdoors, indoor mask-wearing is still recommended.
On the 31st of last month, when the indoor mask mandate was lifted, citizens are seen taking off their masks at a cafe in Seoul. Photo by Jin-Hyung Kang aymsdream@
The NYT also reported that avoiding respiratory illnesses such as the flu and seasonal allergies is another reason people continue to wear masks. It added that in Asia, wearing masks is regarded as good etiquette that shows consideration for the well-being of others.
Wearing masks is considered general courtesy to protect those whose immune systems are weak or who live with vulnerable individuals, especially when it is unknown who around them might be at risk. Additionally, the severe fine dust pollution in East Asia has made people accustomed to wearing masks for health reasons, which is another factor for continued mask use.
The NYT stated, "Not only the United States but also Southeast Asian and European countries abolished mask mandates months ago," adding, "However, many citizens in East Asian countries do not seem likely to completely stop wearing masks even if their governments ease regulations."
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