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S Korea starts fining people not wearing masks

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No conclusive proof that paper masks are 100% effective

No scientist or medical professional anywhere has EVER claimed masks are 100% effective. That's like saying seatbelts are 100% effective.

But you should wear them, especially in crowded spaces.

13 ( +15 / -2 )

Agree with Tokyo-m, governments could regain what they spent for the pandemic (plus interest) by fining the population. I wouldn't be surprised if other governments don't catch up to this scheme. I'm not a part of the anti-mask faction but once you start really mowing down individual freedom and increasing state control, that's where it gets concerning.

7 ( +10 / -3 )

Brilliant idea South Korea! And you can believe they'll enforce those rules as well.

Take note Japan.

............oh wait.

If it isn't on NHK or local Japanese news, or has nothing to do with Japan directly, Japanese people will never hear of it.

Oh well.........

4 ( +14 / -10 )

@Goodlucktoyou

You need to use your commonsense or would you prefer when to be told to wear a mask?

3 ( +3 / -0 )

The most extensive, comprehensive study on masks yet was completed by the Danes this past summer. 

The results have been kept under wraps because no one has the nerve to publish it. 

I'm guessing the results didn't fit the wished upon narrative.

Fascinating.

Any links?

2 ( +2 / -0 )

People will also be required to wear masks at restaurants and cafes when they are not eating or drinking.

What does that even mean? People may intermittently eat or drink while they talk to each other unless they are alone which is not then an issue because they are not talking. So are they supposed to remove and put back their mask and hence touching it every single time they eat or drink? This is ridiculous. This is a typical example highlighting how the world has become not only crazy but plain stupid.

Also what does it mean to impose masks in a nightclub where precisely this is a typical place where people will tend to remove them because they want to see faces. It seems to me that the measure is just put in place to grab more money from people since why not, it's a pandemic, governments can do whatever they want now. Better then to close the nightclubs instead of coming up with a measure which is difficult to enforce in reality and is being used to find a way to fine people. The same applies to sports facilities.

1 ( +6 / -5 )

The world should follow this great example.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

The most extensive, comprehensive study on masks yet was completed by the Danes this past summer.

The results have been kept under wraps because no one has the nerve to publish it.

I'm guessing the results didn't fit the wished upon narrative.

What is not available from a long internet search provided their raw data and statistical formulas to these journals so other scientists could examine their methodology. The major scientific journals have had to retract several studies on the efficacy of face masks after other scientists read the papers and found their methodologies and/or data to be inadequate. I suppose these journals are more cautious about what they accept for publication. We do not know what the authors of the Danish study are willing to share in terms of data, methodology and raw formulas used to reach their conclusions. I would very much like to know this information but cannot find anything that says one way or the other,

1 ( +1 / -0 )

some may think they are using their own citizens as an escape goat for their policy failings?

The goat to Japan campaign has a lot to answer for!

https://www.jp.playstation.com/games/goat-simulator-ps4/

0 ( +0 / -0 )

No conclusive proof that paper masks are 100% effective so some may think they are using their own citizens as an escape goat for their policy failings?

Nobody in the medical profession has ever claimed they are 100% effective in every case. Masks are very good at stopping liquid particles from the mask wearer from spraying others with their germs. They offer less protection from Covid -19 for the wearer. However if everyone wears masks transmission rates are greatly reduced. Don't let lack of perfection be an excuse for not doing something that helps.

As for failings the failing is on the part of those stubborn souls who refuse to acknowledge the dangers of this pandemic and the undertake methods to reduce its severity,

0 ( +0 / -0 )

The most extensive, comprehensive study on masks yet was completed by the Danes this past summer.

The results have been kept under wraps because no one has the nerve to publish it.

I'm guessing the results didn't fit the wished upon narrative.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Japan's fault for not giving them money

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

From Friday, officials started to impose fines of up to 100,000 won ($90) for people who fail to properly wear masks in public transport and a wide range of venues, including hospitals, nursing homes, pharmacies, nightclubs, karaoke bars, religious and sports facilities and at gatherings of more than 500 people.

Most of those sound reasonable. In enclosed spaces with many people I can see the point. It does not look they go totally overboard, Australia or GB style.

People will also be required to wear masks at restaurants and cafes when they are not eating or drinking.

So it is mask-on, mask-off all evening in restaurants? Come on, man.

-3 ( +3 / -6 )

Fines are the solution of a government with no solution.

In Japan, impossible, as it will be a reminder of the Kempeitai period

-3 ( +3 / -6 )

Funny, in past years many posters here who once criticized masks as useless are now championing their use. Masks are essentially useless to stop the transmission of viruses, and are effective when they are medical grade masks, used following medical protocols. That means changing your medical-grade mask every hour, and discarding your mask any time it is removed. Since nearly every person reading this article is wearing either a dust mask or a reusable cotton mask, you aren’t protecting yourself or anyone else.

I have had many complaints about Japanese policies over the years I have lived here, but I must say that the Japanese people are lucky to live in a country where they have rights. The government here cannot mandate masks any more than it can close schools or businesses, which it was not permitted to do even during the emergency declaration in the spring. Japan cannot require people to wear masks, and certainly cannot fine people for not wearing them.

For those who love masks and lockdowns, and are critical of how Japan is handling things, you are welcome to leave any time.

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

@fightio.

I think seatbelts are one of the best inventions. Not sure about airbags. Your point is true.

regarding masks. I agree in high risk situations you must wear. But you have to wear correctly and replace after touching or an hour after on a crowded train. Use eye protection also in severe environments.

we use two masks in such situations. Inner to stop transmission and outer to prevent ingestion.

but in my house, car, park...

-5 ( +0 / -5 )

Fighto!

That's like saying seatbelts are 100% effective. But you should wear them, especially in crowded spaces.

I'll be sure to wear my seatbelt next time I'm in a crowded space for sure then.........

-6 ( +0 / -6 )

No conclusive proof that paper masks are 100% effective so some may think they are using their own citizens as an escape goat for their policy failings?

-9 ( +3 / -12 )

Fines are all unlawful anyway cos covid bs rules are not lawfully implemented in any country...look at any mask box...its written there...no protection against viruses

-10 ( +8 / -18 )

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