Starting today, the mandatory mask-wearing requirement on public transportation such as buses, subways, and taxis has been lifted. This requirement has been in place for regarding 2 years and 5 months since October 2020, when it was instituted by the central government.
The obligation to wear masks has also been lifted at open pharmacies in large facilities such as supermarkets and stations, but it will still be mandatory at general pharmacies. This is to ensure the safety of those with suspected COVID-19 symptoms and high-risk groups.
In places such as hospitals, nursing homes, and other facilities vulnerable to infection, such as welfare facilities for the disabled, mask-wearing will remain mandatory.
The government plans to review and announce a roadmap for daily recovery, including adjustments to the remaining mask-wearing obligations and 7-day quarantine for confirmed patients. The announcement will be made at the end of this month.
It has been regarding 2 years and 5 months since October 2020, when the central government became obliged to wear masks.
The obligation to wear a mask will also disappear at open pharmacies in large facilities such as supermarkets and stations.
However, general pharmacies will remain obligated to wear them, considering that those with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 symptoms and high-risk groups are likely to use them.
In addition, in the case of medical institutions such as hospitals, nursing hospitals, long-term care institutions, mental health promotion facilities, and facilities vulnerable to infection, such as welfare facilities for the disabled, you must wear a mask.
The government plans to review and announce a roadmap for daily recovery, including the remaining mask-wearing obligations and 7-day quarantine adjustments for confirmed patients, and announce it at the end of this month.
In conclusion, the mandatory mask wearing on public transportation has been lifted following two years and five months since the central government enforced it in October 2020. This is a significant step towards normalizing life amidst the pandemic. However, high-risk areas and medical institutions still require the use of masks to safeguard public health. The government intends to reassess remaining mask-wearing obligations and other pandemic-related issues and announce a plan by the end of the month. Until then, let us continue to practice caution and prioritize safety for ourselves and our communities.