Outdoor Mask Mandate Removed

After Two Years of COVID-19

Managing Editor Lee Se-mok

churrasco23@naver.com

From April 25th, COVID-19 was downgraded from grade one to grade two on the infectious disease scale. Chickenpox and cholera are also infectious diseases designated as second-grade infectious diseases and COVID-19 was also categorized as such in April. Due to the re-classification of the infectious disease, the health authorities said that it is not necessary to wear a mask outdoors for the first time. People suffered from many inconveniences such as skin and breathing problems while using the masks due to the COVID-19. After the announcement of the health authorities, people welcomed the removal of the outdoor mask mandate.

Not only were people happy about this news, but many businesses were also happy about this announcement. Cosmetics and beauty businesses have been gaining vitality. People who used to wear makeup only above their masks are now starting to apply makeup to their whole faces. Sales of beauty and cosmetic products rose by 35% in major offline stores, such as department stores, which had been relatively quiet for two years. Many cosmetics stores are strengthening their beauty categories by opening pop-up stores and holding various events this month. They gained a lot of attention from customers and hundreds of people visited in one day. Similarly to the cosmetic businesses, other businesses are also regaining their strength. The weather is getting warmer and many people are willing to go on vacation. Through this, the floating population has increased and people are starting to visit places such as convenience stores and service areas more often. The restrictions are getting weaker and many people are visiting those facilities to buy drinks and food to eat while walking around the park or going on a picnic. As the restrictions are further reduced, many people are preferring outdoor activities.

However, there are still people who are hesitant to take off their masks. Even though the outdoor mask mandate has been removed, people still need to wear their masks indoors and while using public transportation. So, many people think it more annoying to have to repeatedly put on and take off their masks when entering or leaving buildings or transportation. Moreover, many people are suffering from yellow dust and pollen allergies so they prefer using their masks to help prevent those symptoms.