As the general discussion of the UN General Assembly has begun, it is difficult to find delegations from each country wearing masks at the General Assembly of the UN Headquarters in New York City, USA.



Considering that the COVID-19 situation is not over yet, the UN's health guidelines say that masks must be worn indoors, but the delegations of each country who have become accustomed to the 'no mask' seemed cumbersome.



In principle, masks were only allowed to be removed when speaking or eating food, but most of the participants listened to the speeches of the heads of state with their bare faces even in the audience.



The New York Times (NYT) reported that even before the meeting, there was a fight between delegations from different countries and UN security personnel entering the UN headquarters building without wearing a mask.



A scene was also witnessed by security guards stopping the 'No Mask' delegation on the escalator going up to the General Assembly.



In 2020, the first year of the COVID-19 outbreak, the general discussion of the UN General Assembly, which was held virtually via videoconference, was held last year in a hybrid method that allowed both face-to-face and video speeches, but this year, it returned to a completely offline event for the first time in three years.



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With the exception of Ukraine, which is being invaded by Russia, nearly 150 top-level officials from around the world visited New York because they must come to the UN headquarters to give a face-to-face speech. sent personnel.



Although it has been normalized to its pre-pandemic (global pandemic) shape, there are still remnants of Corona 19.



A typical example is that the luncheon hosted by the UN Secretary-General by inviting the heads of state was not held this year due to health issues.



In addition, the number of delegations that can enter the UN headquarters is limited to 10, and the number of delegations that can enter the General Assembly is limited to six.



During 'High-Level Week', where general discussions are held, dozens of various diplomatic side events are held both inside and outside the UN headquarters.



The UN's still strict attitude on health issues seems to stem from fears that the High-Level Week of the UN General Assembly, which draws thousands of people from all over the world, including its attendants, may become a 'super-spread' event for COVID-19, the New York Times analyzed.



(Photo = Getty Images Korea)