People vaccinated no longer need masks outdoors from July

May 27, 2021, 09:30 am

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Source: Yonhap News

AsiaToday reporter Lee Jang-won

People who have got their first dose of Covid-19 vaccine will no longer be needed to wear masks outdoors starting in July. Those who have received two doses will be exempt from the gathering ban of five people and more from July.

The government confirmed the government’s incentive program at a daily interagency coronavirus response meeting presided by Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum on Wednesday. The government plans to adjust all quarantine measures in October once more than 70% of residents receive their first dose. Some point out that such decision is too early to be implemented although it is a bid to encourage residents to get vaccinated. Besides, whether sufficient number of vaccines can be introduced in a timely manner remains to be seen.

Starting next month, those who received at least one dose will be exempt from a ban on gatherings of more than eight direct family members and have access to community and welfare centers for seniors with fewer restrictions.

Starting in July, those who have received their first vaccine jabs can go outdoors without masks and will be exempt from capacity limits at religious facilities. However, indoor mask rules will be maintained.

The government decided to carry out the plan after about 25% of the whole population, or 13 million people, receive their first doses in the first half of the year. The latest move is a bid to raise the primary vaccination rate, which is currently less than 10 percent due to excessive public fear of the AstraZeneca vaccine. The government plans to ease mandatory indoor mask measures after December when more than 70 percent of people are projected to have received their first jabs.

However, some experts have raised concerns over loosening rules for those have received a first dose. Some also point out that it would be not easy to differentiate those vaccinated from those not.

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