Korean Prime Minister: "Expansion of Korea-China Flights" ... Also Hints at "Full Mask Mandate Lift"

COVID-19 Response Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters Meeting
Spring Wildfire Response Situation Review Meeting

[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Chae-eun] Prime Minister Han Duck-soo announced on the 17th that “the number of international flights between Korea and China, currently 62 times per week, will be gradually increased to 80 times per week by the end of this month, and from next month, up to 100 times per week as agreed by both countries, with additional increases also under consideration.” He also hinted at the possibility of a full lifting of mask mandates, assuming the easing of COVID-19 conditions.

At the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters meeting on COVID-19 held at the Government Seoul Office on the same day, Prime Minister Han said, “Following the relaxation of indoor mask mandates and the resumption of visa issuance for short-term visitors from China, the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters will discuss today the plan to increase international flights between Korea and China.”

On the 20th, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo is giving an opening remark at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters meeting on COVID-19. At the meeting, it was decided to ease indoor mask-wearing to a 'recommendation' starting from the 30th. Photo by Heo Young-han younghan@

Prime Minister Han added, “Regarding the remaining quarantine measures scheduled until February 28, such as pre- and post-arrival PCR tests and the unification of arrival airports, a decision on whether to end them will be finalized next week.”

He also mentioned the possibility of easing quarantine obligations and fully lifting mask mandates depending on the stabilization of COVID-19. Prime Minister Han stated, “If the current trend of domestic and international stabilization continues, we expect to soon begin discussions on lowering the COVID-19 crisis alert level, adjusting the infectious disease classification, transitioning to a 7-day quarantine obligation, and fully lifting mask mandates, among other remaining quarantine regulations.”

In addition to COVID-19 response issues, Prime Minister Han reviewed the spring wildfire response situation. He urged, “Please ensure thorough management of firefighting personnel and equipment in preparation for wildfire occurrences, and make every effort for flawless initial response, including helicopter firefighting, through the establishment of a close cooperation system.”