Prime Minister Jeong: "137 Days of Public Mask System Ended... Thanks to Pharmacists Nationwide"

Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun is speaking at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters meeting for COVID-19 response held on the 12th at the government Seoul office video conference room. Photo by Moon Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun stated on the 12th, "The public supply system for health masks, which has been maintained for 137 days, has been returned to the market starting today," and added, "I sincerely thank all pharmacists nationwide who have done their best to supply masks publicly, even at the expense of their primary duties."

At the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters (CDSCH) meeting held at the Government Seoul Office on the same day regarding the response to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), Prime Minister Chung said, "The mask market has now stabilized."

He emphasized, "Masks remain essential quarantine items for our citizens until the COVID-19 situation ends," and added, "Even after the termination of the public mask system, the government will monitor production, distribution, and price trends daily, and will strictly crack down on unfair trade practices such as hoarding that distort market functions."

Prime Minister Chung also expressed concern, saying, "There have been continuous confirmed cases among the US Forces Korea in recent days," and instructed, "The Ministry of National Defense and quarantine authorities should closely consult with the US Forces Korea to promptly establish strengthened quarantine measures."

He continued, "With the vacation season underway, crowds are gathering at beaches, water parks, and other summer resorts nationwide," and pointed out, "Although local governments are applying various management measures such as advance reservation systems and wristbands, there still seem to be many gaps."

He urged, "Local government heads should re-examine the quarantine status at summer resorts in their jurisdictions," and added, "Above all, it is best for vacationers themselves to comply with quarantine rules. For the safety of the community, we ask each citizen to actively cooperate."

Furthermore, he noted, "Starting tomorrow, the monsoon rain is expected to expand nationwide, mainly in the southern regions," and requested, "The Ministry of the Interior and Safety and local governments should proactively prepare according to the on-site situation to prevent casualties and facility damage."