Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – A number of countries seem to have now returned to normal conditions before the corona virus (Covid-19). In fact, a number of countries have freed their citizens from masks.
In addition to suppressing corona cases, a number of countries have also succeeded in vaccinating more than 50% of their citizens. Here are the countries:
1. South Korea
South Korea (South Korea) is the most recent country to free the use of masks. Last week, the KPOP country confirmed that masks would no longer be needed outdoors starting in July for those who had been vaccinated with at least one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine.
The move is an attempt to encourage older residents to get vaccinated. South Korea aims to vaccinate at least 70% of its 52 million population by September.
People given at least one dose will also be allowed to congregate in larger numbers from June. Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum said all quarantine measures would be adjusted in October after more than 70% of the population received the first dose.
2. United States of America
The United States (US) government allows its citizens to move without wearing a mask. However, with the condition that they must have been vaccinated against Covid-19 in full or twice.
This was revealed by US President Joe Biden in a post on the White House’s official Instagram page. “Vaxxed or masks,” Biden said in the boomerang video.
The White House also added a description in the video about the requirements for US citizens who wish to be able to carry out activities without wearing a mask. “The choice is yours. Get vaccinated or wear a mask until you do,” the presidential palace wrote.
Previously, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) through its latest public health guide that was just released said this provision applies both indoors and outdoors.
The guide also describes some examples where people still need to wear masks such as in health care settings or in businesses that require them. This provision also applies to people who have received their last vaccine dose for two weeks or more, are not allowed to wear a mask.
The US itself uses Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines. The vaccine used has an efficacy of 90%.
3. Hungary
Hungarian Prime Minister (PM) Viktor Orban claims his government has succeeded in controlling the Covid-19 pandemic. In a press conference on Friday (21/5/2021), Orban said Hungary had vaccinated nearly 5 million citizens.
He added that now is the right time to part with the use of masks in public places.
“Goodbye, mask,” he said.
“This means that we have succeeded in defeating the third wave of the pandemic,” Orban continued.
The far-right leader also said he would lift most Covid-19 restrictions, including a curfew. Orban said the public can hold meetings of up to 500 people.
The condition is that the meeting is held in the open air. While the event in a closed room applies to residents who already have a vaccination card.
4. New Zealand
New Zealand is also a country that is free from the use of masks. This has happened since last April, where more than 50,000 New Zealanders packed the Eden Park stadium on Saturday (24/4/2021) to watch the biggest live concert since the pandemic began.
New Zealand’s success in eradicating Covid-19 cannot be separated from the swift action of the Government, which immediately implemented a lockdown after 2,600 cases and 26 deaths from Covid-19.
In this concert, people do not wear masks and there is no warning to keep their distance. Spectators are only scanned with a tool when entering and the concert committee provides hand sanitizers at various stadium venues.
5. China
China was the first country to report a case of Covid-19. This happened in the province of Wuhan. No doubt, the virus is said to have originated from that country.
China was also the first to be affected by its economy due to the social restrictions imposed. However, it is also the first country to emerge from this pandemic.
At present, Wuhan is reported to have succeeded in tackling Covid-19 and is free to gather together without wearing a mask. In fact, several music festivals have been held to celebrate this freedom, one of which is the Wuhan Music Strawberry Festival which was attended by 11 thousand people.
Wuhan residents joined in the singing, shouting loudly, following the favorite acts of the band that appeared on stage.
6. Australia
Australia is also one of the countries that is very fast and responsive to Covid-19. When the cases widen, the government immediately implements a strict lockdown to control it.
Its citizens also obey health protocols so that positive cases in the country are quickly contained. Therefore, Australia has also allowed tourists to enter the country, but only from countries that are already free of Covid-19 such as New Zealand.
With this good response, currently citizens are not required to wear masks when carrying out their activities. However, when traveling by public transportation and while in hospital, the public is asked to continue to wear masks.
7. Bhutan
Bhutan is one of the countries that has vaccinated 90% of its citizens in just two weeks. since the start of the pandemic, the country has reported only one death. Quoted from the Economic Times, although Bhutan shares its borders with India and China, the country has never really been hit by a pandemic due to its timely actions. Moreover, Bhutan is controlling the pandemic situation even without going into lockdown
8. Israel
Israel has also waived the mandatory use of masks since April. More than 50% of residents have also been fully vaccinated.
Like the US, Israel uses the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine. However, a number of restrictions are still in place to prevent a new variant of the corona from entering the country.
(boss / boss)
– .
