Covid face masks FINALLY no longer legally required indoors in South Korea after three years

South Korea has finally lifted its rules on wearing face masks indoors to stem the flow of Covid.

The East Asia country is one of the last in the world to lift Covid restrictions, this week dropping the requirement for people who are inside to wear face masks.

The use of face masks is still required in hospitals and on public transport.

South Korean health authorities have warned the easing of mask rules could result in a temporary surge in new cases, urging people to stay vigilant when in high-risk areas, especially for those more vulnerable to infections.

South Korea's foreign ministry said its quarantine measures were based on scientific grounds for people's protection.
KIM HONG-JI

The country has since scrapped most of its pandemic-related precautions, but it maintains a seven-day isolation rule for those testing positive for COVID.

South Korea's foreign ministry said its quarantine measures were based on scientific grounds for people's protection.

"There should never be any restrictions based on factors other than quarantine, and we are also communicating with the Chinese side as necessary,"

It coincided with Prime Minister Han Duck-soo saying that the country could lift restrictions on visitors from China as infections in the country dropped.

Duck-soo said: ”If (the situation) is endurable given the PCR COVID-19 test results, the lifting (of restrictions) could be considered earlier,"

From February 1st, passengers flying from South Korea will be required to take a PCR test.
KIM HONG-JI

South Korea has suspended short-term visas for Chinese visitors since early January, after China abruptly dropped its stringent "zero-COVID" policy, leading to a wave of infections.

Seoul's move prompted Beijing to do the same for visas in South Korea.

From February 1st, passengers flying from South Korea will be required to take a PCR test.