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Masks to be required for all Seoul subway passengers during rush hour

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By Jung Min-ho
  • Published May 11, 2020 3:32 pm KST
  • Updated May 11, 2020 5:24 pm KST

Health officials prepare to sanitize a subway station amid the COVID-19 pandemic in Seoul, March 11, 2020. Reuters

By Jung Min-ho

Starting May 13, everyone will be required to wear face masks in Seoul subway trains during rush hour.

According to the Seoul city government Monday, people who are not wearing masks may be denied boarding at ticket barriers when the trains are crowded.

Those who are rejected can buy masks at vending machines or convenience stores at stations.

The new rule applies when the rate of subway ridership is 150 percent ―150 passengers for a train with a capacity of 100 ― or higher. It is almost always the case for most trains in Seoul during rush hour (7-9 a.m. and 6-8 p.m.).