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Today (30th), the number of new COVID-19 cases recorded 40,000 and is expected to continue the decline.

From next Monday, you will be able to take off your mask outdoors, however, you must wear a mask at meetings, performances, or sports events where more than 50 people gather.



Reporter Park Soo-jin reports.



<Reporter> This



is Yeonnam-dong, Seoul.



The streets are bustling with people, but few are taking their masks off.



Now, even in outdoor parks like this, wearing a mask is compulsory if the distance is less than 2m.



However, starting next Monday, taking off the mask like this will not be subject to punishment.



However, the obligation to wear a mask is maintained at gatherings, performances, and sports venues where more than 50 people gather.



This is because the density is high and there is a high risk of the spread of droplets through shouts and choruses.



Although it is not compulsory, the government has recommended that people with symptoms suspected of Corona or high-risk groups such as the elderly and unvaccinated people wear a mask if possible, although it is not mandatory.



[Lee Hwanhee / Dongjak-gu, Seoul: I think it would have been okay if I took it off a little earlier.] [Sieon Lee / Gangnam-gu, Seoul: I think it’s still too early because there are going to be



more people who don’t keep it indoors.]



The transition committee, which was supposed to decide whether to remove the outdoor mask at the end of next month, expressed discomfort.



[Ahn Cheol-soo/Acquisition Chairperson: Isn't it a bit hasty judgment?

Rather, he was trying to blame the current government (there is a concern.)]



The quarantine authorities said that the measure was taken in consideration of the recent decrease in epidemics and overseas cases.



[Jung Eun-kyung / Director of the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Yesterday): I did not judge politically.

What we announced today is not a pre-declaration that there is no need for an outdoor mask.] The



government maintained the duty to wear an indoor mask, but the transition committee also explained that it would be possible if there was no fashion in September or October of this year.