Situation Report of MPOX in Global and ASEAN Region - 20 January 2023

Worldwide, there have been over 659 million cases and over 6 million deaths attributed to COVID-19. • South Korea’s authorities said on Friday (January 20) that the government will drop its rules requiring people to wear masks in most indoor spaces. Starting January 30, it will no longer be mandatory to wear face masks in most indoor spaces, except on public transport and in medical facilities. However, the mask mandate will remain for those officially diagnosed with COVID-19 and have to isolate themselves for seven days. The Prime Minister said that the decision was made in view of the country's solid medical response capabilities, the decreased number of critical cases and deaths from COVID 19, and a downward trend in new infections. • Hong Kong will be lifting its quarantine policy starting January 30. According to authorities, it will no longer require people infected with COVID-19 to quarantine, as part of the decision to downgrade COVID-19's status to an endemic disease from a severe respiratory infection. However, individuals are still required to wear masks unless exercising.