Failure to wear mask in public to become finable offence in South Korea
Seoul, Oct 4 (efe-epa).- South Korea is to introduce fines to punish those who refuse to wear face masks in public places from next month, authorities confirmed Sunday.
The strengthening of Covid-19 measures, which could also punish people who are not wearing their mask correctly, is to be introduced on 13 November, according to the Asian nation’s center for disease control (KDCA).
Under the guidelines in South Korea, face masks will be obligatory on public transport, medical centers and at protests and those who fail to heed the rules could be fined up to 100,000 won (roughly $85).
The center for disease control explained the fines would be also applicable to those who do not wear the mask correctly, such as failing to cover the nose.
The fines will not be applicable for children under 14 and those exempted from mask-use on medical grounds, the Yonhap news agency said.
A month-long grace period for the new rules will begin on 13 October.
As part of the new regulations, South Koreans will be obliged to wear medical-grade masks, the KDCA added.
Local authorities will be able to adjust the grace period for the new rules as they see fit.
The number of cases being reported on a daily basis in South Korea has been below 100 for four consecutive days but authorities are concerned about a possible uptick in the coming days as millions people move around the country during the Chuseok holiday period.
South Korean health authorities logged 64 new Covid-19 cases on Sunday. EFE-EPA
