WHO Thanks BTS For Wearing Face Masks

by Victoria Marian Belmis / Dec 22, 2020 07:08 AM EST

Wear your masks everywhere and anytime, just like what all the BTS members are doing.

Big Hit Entertainment's BTS has earned the praise of the World Health Organization (WHO) for being an exemplary model for everyone by wearing face masks all the time.

For the past week, South Korea has seen a huge spike in coronavirus disease infections. The daily caseload blew past the 1,000 mark for five days from December 16th to 20th. On December 20th, the country recorded its highest daily new cases since the beginning of the pandemic with 1,097. In addition, the Korean Disease Control Agency (KDCA) reported 24 deaths bringing the total death toll to 698.

Yesterday, December 21st, SoKor saw a minimal dip in the numbers as the country recorded 926 new cases. With the upsurge of coronavirus infection, the Korean government has tightened social-distancing measures.

To abide by the strict anti-coronavirus measures, the South Korean entertainment industry has also implemented rules for celebrities and everyone involved to follow. For all shows and activities, celebrities and idols are wearing masks. They are also practicing strict social distancing measures.

However, the seven boys from Big Hit is drawing attention for taking the lead in the fight against the spread of COVID-19. BTS was seen to wear masks during the "Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA) 2020" as well as during the "2020 KBS Song Festival" red carpet.

Moreover, BTS member Jimin took it upon himself and posted a photo of him wearing a mask on the group's official SNS with the caption, "The situation is getting worse day by day. Wear a mask well and always go around with caution."

Since Jimin's SNS reminder to ARMYs and everybody out there, WHO Secretary-General Tedros Adhanom Gebrejess and WHO Social Media Director Sari Setiogi Griberg both quoted the post as well as expressed their appreciation for the idol's good deed.

Global groups such as BTS have a great influence on millions of people. And during these uncertain times, their words and actions could go the extra mile in encouraging their fans and other people to practice COVID-19 preventive measures.

Meanwhile, Greater Seoul is currently under level 2.5 restrictions - the second-highest in the nation's five-tier system - with nightclubs closed and restaurants allowed to provide only deliveries and takeouts after 9 pm. Gatherings of more than four are also banned, which is a stronger restriction than that under level 3, which caps gatherings at 10.