On the 25th, a sold-out notice for masks was posted at the hygiene products sales counter in a large supermarket in downtown Seoul. [Asia Economy Reporters Choi Daeyeol and Cho Hyun-ui] Approximately 5 million masks will be supplied daily to pharmacies, post offices, and Nonghyup Hanaro Marts.
On the 26th, Lee Eui-kyung, Commissioner of the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, stated in a briefing, "Export restrictions on masks and hand sanitizers, as well as mandatory distribution through public sales channels, have been implemented starting today," adding, "50% of domestically produced masks will be shipped to public sales channels such as the Korea Post, Nonghyup Central Association, and Public Home Shopping." This measure will apply from today's production volume, and Commissioner Lee anticipated that actual consumers will be able to purchase masks starting from the 27th.
The government has decided to prioritize supply to the Daegu and Gyeongbuk regions, which have been designated as special management areas for infectious diseases due to the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Commissioner Lee said, "We will specially supply 1 million masks to the Daegu and Gyeongbuk regions in advance through prior consultation with manufacturers," and added, "While continuing this, starting tomorrow, 3.5 million masks will be supplied daily to general consumers through post offices, Nonghyup, pharmacies, and other outlets."
According to recent data collected by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety from various manufacturers reporting their production volumes, daily production exceeds 10 million masks. With export restrictions and increased shipments to public sales channels, the government expects to alleviate the shortage experienced by frontline consumers. Additionally, measures to stabilize supply have been continuously implemented, including supplying 500,000 masks daily to medical institutions and other quarantine sites.
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