"Free Mask Distribution" Citizens Show 'Positive Influence' Amid New Coronavirus Spread

Mask Shortage Sparks 'Free Sharing' Relay
Civilians: "Hope to Overcome Novel Coronavirus with Positive Influence and Acts of Kindness Relay"

Amid growing anxiety due to confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus, some citizens are creating a heartwarming atmosphere by freely distributing masks they own to others. The photo shows masks that citizens have shared for free. Photo by various online communities and mom cafes capturing the masks.

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] "We are giving away masks for free. Please apply in the comments."

Amid the shortage of masks at pharmacies and convenience stores due to confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus, some citizens are voluntarily conducting 'free mask sharing.' Citizens collectively expressed hope that the spreading novel coronavirus would be overcome through a relay of good deeds.

On the morning of the 5th, a post titled "I’m thinking of sharing masks" was uploaded on an online community.

The author, Mr. A, said, "Since I work in the air purification field, I have about 300 triple-filter masks left from before," adding, "These days, mask distributors are supplying at unreasonable prices, so I’m thinking of sharing about 8 people with 30 masks each."

He continued, "It’s not a large amount, but I hope those who need them will take them," and said, "If you are near Seoul OOO, I will deliver them personally, and for others, I will cover the shipping cost and send them," expressing his intention to personally deliver masks to citizens in need.

Mr. A concluded, "No money or gifticons are needed. It’s not that expensive an item. Please leave a message. I will check after work."

Masks posted on an online community on the morning of the 5th. The author, Mr. A, announced that he would give away all these masks for free. Photo by the online community where the image was captured.

As of 6 a.m. on the 6th, Mr. A’s post had received 162 comments. Most were filled with praise for Mr. A’s good deed. Netizens responded with comments like, "This kind of post deserves all the recommendations," and "This is truly heartwarming."

One netizen commented, "My mother has asthma and needs to buy masks because of the novel coronavirus, but they are too expensive," to which Mr. A replied, "Please leave your name, contact information, and address," offering to share masks for free.

Mr. A explained to netizens, "It’s hard to get masks, so I wanted to share them with those who really need them," adding, "Some might think I’m showing off over a few bucks, but it’s not about money. I just want the extra masks I have to go to those who truly need them."

In a phone interview with 'Asia Economy,' he calmly explained his reasons for sharing masks for free.

He said, "I learned from the news that masks are hard to get, and since I happened to have some extra masks, I decided to share them," emphasizing, "Like a mask-sharing relay, I hope those who have extra masks can help each other so we can overcome the coronavirus together."

◆ "Free Mask Sharing" Good Deed Relay Becomes Reality

Good influences like free mask sharing are happening elsewhere as well. On the 5th, a member B of an online mom cafe shared masks for free with other members.

In her post that day, Ms. B said, "I bought these when my child was younger, but they don’t fit now," offering masks for free. She added, "I won’t resell them. Is there anyone who needs them? Fortunately, the expiration date is still plenty long."

Members responded with questions like, "My daughter is 15 months old; will these masks fit?" and "My baby is 8 months old; is it okay?" The author replied, "So many comments, I feel a bit sorry ㅠㅠ," and added, "I also don’t have enough for my kids and adults, so I really empathize with everyone ㅠㅠ."

On the 5th, a large supermarket in downtown Seoul displayed a notice indicating that masks and hand sanitizers were sold out. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Also, on the 31st of last month, there was free mask sharing on an online cafe. A member posted, "If you really need masks, please leave a comment. I have 35 masks. The expiration date is until next year," adding, "I will send them via convenience store parcel. I will cover the shipping cost. I will let you know when the tracking number is out."

The post received 58 comments and over 500 views. One netizen said, "Considering the price of masks and disinfectants, one mask was even flagged as shipment stopped," and added, "I often go to a children’s center and want to share with the kids there. There are many children, and they often forget to bring masks."

Another netizen said, "I work part-time at a convenience store, and I really need one," sharing their difficult situation. Other netizens responded, "Some are buying masks and reselling them, but this is truly admirable," and "I also have some masks and will share them."

The good deed of free mask sharing is spreading as others who see it join in. Citizens’ hopes to overcome the anxiety caused by confirmed novel coronavirus cases through a relay of free mask sharing are becoming a reality.

Citizens showed positive reactions. Office worker Mr. C (37) said, "Some people resell masks at high prices, but it’s very hopeful that there are good citizens like this," emphasizing, "I will check if I have any extra masks myself right away."

Another office worker in their 20s, Mr. D (27), said, "I recently received free masks from a colleague," adding, "Since the novel coronavirus is spreading, I think this is a good idea." He continued, "Mask hoarding has become a problem, but it would be great if more warm-hearted acts like this increase," and said, "If I get the chance, I want to share masks with those who can’t get them."

Meanwhile, the government, upon learning that some online sellers are profiteering through mask hoarding and stockpiling, has prepared a notice banning such acts and started on-site crackdowns.

They also plan to enact related notices to prevent large-scale overseas exports of masks and hand sanitizers by so-called peddlers. Through this, they aim to block large-scale overseas exports in advance and, if hoarding is suspected during export inspections, to withhold customs clearance, investigate, and request prosecution.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.