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Individuals in South Korea who have received at least one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine will no longer be required to wear masks outdoors from July onwards.

According to Reuters, the move is part of the the South Korean government's effort to encourage older residents to get vaccinated.

The Associated Press reported that the plan to ease the mask-wearing requirement is contingent on attaining a goal of administering first doses of the vaccine to 13 million people by the end of June.

So far around 3.9 million people — or 7.7 per cent of South Korea's population — have already been immunised; the Asian nation hopes to increase that figure to 70 per cent by September.

Other incentives will also be rolled out, including discounts at public parks and museums and allowing larger private gatherings for vaccinated individuals.

A further review of Covid-19 restrictions will be conducted in October after a larger proportion of individuals have been vaccinated.

Reuters cited Health Minister Kwon Deok-cheol in reporting that over 60 per cent of people between the ages of 60 and 74 have signed up for vaccination.

Yet, South Korea has found its vaccination programme relatively laborious; it has administered shots at a slower pace than other developed nations.

Health officials have also bemoaned public fear regarding the AstraZeneca vaccine which has been linked to rare blood-clotting side effects.

Top image via Ed Jones/AFP/Getty Images