The government will make an announcement on whether to abolish its mandate on wearing masks outside.
The Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters said on Thursday it will consider various opinions, including those of the presidential transition committee, before making its final decision. The transition committee said on Wednesday that it will decide whether to lift mandatory mask-wearing outdoors within 30 days of the launch of the new government.
Health authorities, however, explained that scientific data shows the infection risk when outdoors is much lower than when indoors, raising the possibility that they may lift the regulation soon.
In the meantime, visitors will be allowed at nursing homes and facilities from this weekend until May 22. Those who recovered from COVID-19 can visit if they have received two vaccine shots, while those who have not been infected must receive their boosters before gaining access. Residents at nursing facilities must get receive their fourth shots to receive visitors.
Source: KBS World Radio