Korean gov't to mull easing indoor mask mandate

People walk with their masks on at a platform in Gwanghwamun Station in Jongno District, central Seoul, on Friday. [NEWS1]

The government will look into partially easing its indoor mask mandate after reviewing expert opinions, the Ministry of Health and Welfare said Friday.

If eased, people will be required to wear masks in fewer indoor settings, such as on public transportation and in medical facilities.

"We will actively look into cases abroad where they require wearing masks indoors only in places like hospitals, public transportation and social welfare institutions," Health Minister Cho Kyoo-hong said during a parliamentary audit hearing on Thursday.

PPP Rep. Kim Mi-ae mentioned during the session that "Korea is the only OECD member country that requires people to wear masks in all indoor settings."

Cho explained that maintaining the current indoor mask mandate "has been decided after reviewing experts' opinions, considering the possibility of a resurgence of the pandemic and other factors such as the peoples' inconvenience."

Korea lifted its mask mandate in all outdoor settings last month, saying mask requirements for indoor facilities may remain until March next year.

But expert opinions are split now in regard to indoor mask mandates, so more discussions are needed.

"The opinions are split within the committee," said Jung Ki-suck, a civilian adviser to the government committee on infectious diseases.

"My personal view is that we will have to see the trend in January after passing the winter and see if we could lift indoor mask mandates except in settings like public transportation and health facilities."

BY CHO JUNG-WOO [cho.jungwoo1@joongang.co.kr]