Masks Sold on Incheon City Buses... 2 for 1,000 Won

From the 26th, wearing a mask will be mandatory when using buses, taxis, and railways; otherwise, access will be restricted. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyesook] Incheon City announced that starting from the 27th, masks will be sold on all city buses for public transportation passengers who have not yet prepared masks.

This is the first implementation among local governments nationwide, following the Central Disease Control Headquarters' mandate from the 26th requiring mask-wearing when using public transportation.

The product sold is disposable dental masks, sold in packs of two for 1,000 won, and can be purchased from bus drivers. However, purchases are only possible with cash.

In preparation for the increase in passengers due to the resumption of in-person classes at elementary, middle, and high schools, Incheon City signed a consignment sales agency agreement between the Incheon social enterprise Ireintech and the Incheon City Bus Transportation Business Association

to prepare for mask sales.

The city expects that by stocking and selling masks on city buses, the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) will be blocked, allowing passengers to use public transportation with peace of mind.

Incheon City implemented the mandatory mask-wearing for public transportation passengers earlier than other cities and provinces on the 20th. From the 30th, mask-wearing will also be mandatory for fishing boat users.

An Incheon City official stated, "As the weather has recently become hotter, there have been many cases of neglecting mask-wearing," and urged, "Although it is inconvenient, please be sure to wear a mask when using public transportation to prevent the spread of infection."