The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency announced Monday the lifting of most mandatory indoor mask-wearing rules for the first time in more than two years.
The lifting of the indoor mask mandate comes some eight months after authorities removed outdoor mask rules and coincided with the daily COVID-19 case tally falling to its lowest level in seven months.
South Korea reported 7,416 new cases on Monday – the lowest since 4 July 2022 when the country logged 6,239 cases. The daily figure had soared above 180,000 in mid-August.
While masks will still be mandatory in hospitals, pharmacies and on public transport, they will no longer be required in most other places including schools, gyms and entertainment venues.
However, authorities are reaming cautious on travellers from China, announcing Friday a one-month extension on COVID-19 testing requirements until the end of February. Arrivals from mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau will be required to show a negative COVID test obtained within 48 hours of arrival, and to test again upon arrival. Korea will also continue to restrict the issuance of short-term visas at its consulates in China.
China last month retaliated to the implementation of entry restrictions by itself suspending South Korea short-term visa applications, potentially dealing a blow to Korea’s 16 foreigner-only casinos.
As reported by Inside Asian Gaming, the eight foreigner-only casinos on the South Korean holiday island of Jeju have all reopened this month for the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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