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Korea lets go of masks when going out, many people are still afraid

South Korea let go of masks when going out, many people are still afraid - Photo 1.

People in Seoul take a walk and rest at Thanh Khe stream on May 2, the first day of removing the requirement to wear masks outdoors – Photo: AFP

“I tried taking off the mask when I left the house today, but I’m sure 70-80% of the people I met in the downtown area are still wearing them,” a Seoul resident in his 60s named Lee Byung Young told Reuters news agency. .

According to the Agency for Disease Control and Prevention Korea (KDCA) on May 2, by the end of May 1, the country recorded 20,084 new infections.

This is the lowest number of daily infections since 1-2 and was announced on the first day of removing the requirement to wear masks outdoors.

However, according to Reuters, many Koreans still wonder and feel not safe enough to leave the mask.

At Hyochang Park in central Seoul, about 80% of pedestrians are still wearing masks.

Kim Eun Hee (52 years old) confided that she only feels secure to remove the mask if the number of daily infections in Korea falls below 5,000.

In contrast, Mrs. Oh Ho Young (71 years old) is excited about removing the requirement to wear a mask. “I’ve been walking here for a long time. Now walking without a mask is really refreshing and wonderful,” Ms. Oh told Reuters at Hyochang park.

South Korea experienced a large outbreak from the end of February due to a contagious Omicron variant. This country of 52 million people has recorded nearly 17.3 million infections, including nearly 23,000 deaths.

Mr. Lee Geun Young, a person walking in Hyochang Park, said that masks are still necessary at this time, although it is a bit inconvenient when talking or eating.

“It’s better to be careful, it’s both good for yourself and not bad for others,” Mr. Lee said.

The transition team of President-elect Yoon Suk Yeol has opposed the decision to lift the requirement to wear masks outdoors because it is not the right time. Mr. Yoon will be sworn in, officially becoming the president of South Korea on May 10.

According to current regulations, the wearing of masks is still maintained at indoor venues and outdoor events with 50 people or more. Authorities also encourage people to wear masks if people feel insecure or cannot keep a distance of 1m or more from others.

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