Full Indoor Mask Mandate Lifted...? Citizens Express Mixed Opinions

'COVID-19 Not Over' vs 'Expecting Spread of No-Mask Atmosphere'
Experts "Policy Needed Based on 'Risk Level' Not Specific 'Location'"

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Taewon] About a month after the partial lifting of the indoor mask-wearing mandate, discussions about a full lifting are emerging. However, public reactions remain mixed, as a significant number of citizens continue to wear masks even in places where mask-wearing is not mandatory.

At around 6:30 PM on the 23rd, the platform of City Hall Station on Seoul Subway Line 1. Although it is a place where wearing masks is not mandatory, all passengers are wearing masks.
Photo by Taewon Choi skking@

On the 30th of last month, the indoor mask-wearing mandate was partially lifted, raising concerns about a resurgence in some quarters, but the COVID-19 situation has since stabilized. As of midnight on the 24th, the 26th day since the partial lifting, the number of new COVID-19 cases was 10,051. This figure is 1,385 fewer than the 11,436 cases reported a week earlier on the 17th. Notably, this is the lowest number of new cases on a Thursday in 34 weeks since July 1 of last year, when 9,514 cases were reported.

With the government partially lifting the indoor mask mandate, masks are no longer required indoors except in certain facilities such as public transportation and hospitals. The outdoor mask-wearing mandate was lifted on May 2 of last year.

Accordingly, the government has begun discussions on fully lifting the indoor mask mandate. On the 17th, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo stated at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters meeting, "If the domestic and international situation remains stable, discussions on the full lifting of mask-wearing can also begin." On the 15th, Lim Sook-young, Director General of the Central Disease Control Headquarters at the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, said, "We are continuously assessing the inconvenience masks cause to the public indoors. We will comprehensively review and continue to consider the full lifting of the mask mandate."

Although the partial lifting of the indoor mask mandate has entered its fourth week, many citizens continue to wear masks both indoors and outdoors, showing divided opinions regarding the mask-wearing mandate.

Around 3:30 PM on the 23rd, near the railway tracks in Yeonnam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul. Although it is an outdoor area where mask-wearing is not mandatory, many citizens are wearing masks.
Photo by Taewon Choi skking@

At around 3:30 p.m. on the 23rd, two out of three citizens visiting the area near the railway tracks in Yeonnam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, were wearing masks outdoors. They chatted happily with their companions while frequently adjusting their masks, showing sensitivity to infection prevention. Kim (35), who works in real estate, said, "I have gotten used to wearing masks, so wearing them a bit longer is not very uncomfortable. But since COVID-19 is not completely over, I’m not sure if it’s right to discuss a full lifting now."

At around 6:30 p.m. the same day, the scene at Seoul Plaza in Jung-gu, Seoul, was not much different. Inside City Hall Station on Seoul Subway Line 1, most citizens were wearing masks.

However, some expressed dissatisfaction, saying they wear masks not for infection prevention but due to social pressure. Lee (30), a businessman met at City Hall Station, said, "I want to take off my mask because it feels suffocating, but since everyone around me is wearing one, I feel pressured and can’t take it off inside the station. If the full lifting happens, I expect the atmosphere where masks are not required to spread."

Some opposed the full lifting of the indoor mask mandate due to the nature of their work. Ham (28), a nurse working at a hospital in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, said, "Considering cases where a patient in a multi-bed room contracts COVID-19, it would be difficult to recommend mask-wearing if it is not mandatory. Personally, I have a lot of contact with patients and need to talk frequently, so I am genuinely worried about a full lifting."

Experts suggest that, since individual risk levels vary, policies during the easing phase of the COVID-19 crisis should be based on 'risk level' rather than 'location.'

Professor Kim Woo-joo of the Department of Infectious Diseases at Korea University Hospital stated, "Risk varies depending on age, underlying conditions, and vaccination status. A policy requiring everyone to wear masks in specific locations is suitable only when case numbers are high. Now, it is necessary to consider mask mandates based on scientific evidence that distinguishes between high-risk groups such as the elderly and low-risk groups, rather than by location."