Outdoor mask mandates fully lifted in S.Korea

SEOUL: The South Korean government on Monday fully lifted outdoor mask mandates as new Covid-19 cases fell to the lowest number in more than two months.

South Korea began implementing the mask-wearing rules in October 2020 and had strengthened them further last year, reports Yonhap News Agency.

But it partially eased outdoor mask mandates in May only to enforce mask wearing for those at outdoor gatherings of 50 or more people, and such large-scale events as sporting events and concerts.

People who violated the rules were subject to a fine.

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has said the country is "overcoming a critical moment" of a Covid-19 resurgence, and it will ease low-risk anti-virus steps in phases in consultation with experts.

"Wearing masks is still needed on a voluntary basis in accordance with circumstances. Particularly, it is needed for high-risk groups and those who come in contact with high-risk groups," a Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) official said.

But rules for indoor mask wearing will be in place for the time being on possible risks of seasonal influenza and other infectious diseases, according to officials.

"Lifting all indoor mask-wearing rules at one time would minimize confusion. It could be lifted after the seventh wave passes and the situation is stabilized," said Jung Ki-suck, a civilian adviser to the government task force on the pandemic.

He voiced objection to easing the indoor mask mandates in phases, though some have called on the government to ease the rules for young people to ensure their development of language skills and other health reasons.

"No one can be sure about the timing and the scale of another virus wave. Thorough preparations for the seventh wave are a must," Jung said.

In the last 24 hours, the country reported 14,168 new cases, including 220 from overseas, bringing the total caseload to 24,634,296, the KDCA said.

It is the smallest figure since July 11, when the daily figure came to 12,672.

On Monday, the country reported 33 more fatalities from Covid-19, raising the death toll to 28,246.