Starting on Tuesday, passengers not wearing protective masks will not be able to use public transportation in South Korea.

The central disaster and safety countermeasures headquarters said on Monday that the restriction is part of the government's enhanced COVID-19 quarantine in everyday life.

The government will temporarily exempt operators and drivers of buses and taxis from business suspension or fines for refusing passengers without masks.

Drivers will also be required to wear masks, otherwise heads of local governments will take appropriate countermeasures.

Starting Wednesday, all passengers boarding domestic and international flights will be required to wear masks as well.