Commuters pass through Gangnam Station in southern Seoul.
Seoul subway passengers are now required to wear face masks during rush hour to protect themselves from the novel coronavirus and keep social distancing in their daily routines.
The new measure that was announced by the Seoul Metropolitan Government earlier this week took effect Wednesday.
Commuters without masks can purchase them at vending machines or convenience stores inside subway stations.
Subway officials will be on patrol to stop people without masks from using subways when trains hit over 150 percent capacity.
Seoul will also operate additional subway trains and buses during rush hour to reduce congestion as crowds have returned to around 80 to 90 percent of pre-pandemic levels.
In June, the city government plans to dispatch safety personnel to 10 of the most congested subway stations, including the Gangnam and Hongik University stations, and 10 transit stations to guide passengers on platforms to keep distance from others while waiting for trains.
<Photo: Yonhap News>
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