President Moon: "Masks Are Useless If They Don't Reach the Hands of the People," Emphasizes 'Perception' Three Times

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Wondara] President Moon Jae-in emphasized that "the public's perception is the most important," urging the government to effectively manage mask supply measures.

According to a written briefing by Blue House spokesperson Kang Min-seok on the afternoon of the 26th, President Moon made these remarks after receiving a regular report from Deputy Prime Minister for Economy Hong Nam-ki on the economic situation and measures related to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Earlier that day, Kim Yong-beom, First Vice Minister of the Ministry of Economy and Finance, held a 'Mask Supply Stabilization Additional Measures Task Force (TF) Meeting' at the Government Seoul Office and decided to supply 3.5 million masks daily through public sales outlets such as pharmacies, post offices, and the Nonghyup (National Agricultural Cooperative Federation).

President Moon stated, "The supply volume is sufficiently secured due to export restrictions on masks," but added, "However, it is useless if masks do not reach the hands of each individual citizen."

He continued, "The government must ensure that the public clearly knows that masks are purchased and reliably delivered," and urged, "If the public recognizes that masks are always available at pharmacies and other places, the problem will be resolved." He also suggested, "It is also a method for public officials to directly check whether masks are available at marts."

Spokesperson Kang also conveyed that President Moon mentioned the importance of 'perception' three times that day.

According to Spokesperson Kang, President Moon emphasized repeatedly, "The public's perception is the most important," and said, "For a certain period, please implement measures that the public can actually feel. Respond in a way that the public can trust and perceive that masks are available when needed."

In response, Deputy Prime Minister Hong reported, "We plan to supply masks without disruption through pharmacies, Nonghyup, post offices, and others," adding, "The First Vice Minister of the Ministry of Economy and Finance has started daily checks, and we will conduct daily inspections so that the public can purchase masks on-site. We will accelerate efforts starting today."