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http://dx.doi.org/10.5668/JEHS.2020.46.6.750

Mask-wearing Characteristics an COVID-19 in Indoor and Outdoor Environments in Seoul in 2020  

Kang, Sohyun (Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University)
Guak, Sooyoung (Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University)
Bataa, Altangerel (Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University)
Kim, Donghyun (Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University)
Jung, Youngdeok (Built Environment System and Technology Lab, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University)
Shin, Jiyoon (Built Environment System and Technology Lab, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University)
Lee, Kiyoung (Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University)
Publication Information
Journal of Environmental Health Sciences / v.46, no.6, 2020 , pp. 750-756 More about this Journal
Abstract
Objectives: After coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was declared a pandemic, the South Korean government announced guidelines on wearing masks to prevent its spread. The guidelines have changed depending on the severity of the spread of COVID-19. This study aimed to identify mask-wearing behaviours to counter the spread of COVID-19 in indoor and outdoor environments. Methods: The type of mask worn and proper wearing were observed in cafés, supermarkets, underground shopping malls, and streets in Seoul. Behavioral assessment was repeated in August at social distancing levels 1 and 2, in October at social distancing level 1, and in November after the mask mandates. Results: In August, 22.1% of subjects in cafés, 90.8% in supermarkets, 91.8% in underground shopping malls, and 83.6% on outdoor streets wore masks properly. In October, the proportion of correct wearers increased in all locations. After masks became mandatory in November, about 97% of users of supermarkets, underground shopping malls, and streets wore masks properly. In cafés, the proportion of proper wearers was 61.5% with both social distancing level 2 in August and the mandate in November. The number of KF-certified mask wearers continued to increase from August to November. Conclusion: This study investigated mask-wearing behaviors to counter COVID-19 through observations in indoor and outdoor places in Seoul. Mask-wearing behavior was different depending on the place and the government guidelines in place. The results could be used for evaluation of the current guidelines for COVID-19.
Keywords
Mask wearing; KF mask; surgical mask; social distancing; mask mandates; COVID-19;
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Times Cited By KSCI : 2  (Citation Analysis)
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