Government Implements Emergency Supply Adjustment Measures Amid 'Mask Shortage' (Update)

Amid the spread of the novel coronavirus infection, a foreigner transferring a large quantity of masks into delivery boxes at the passenger terminal of Incheon International Airport was apprehended by the police. According to the Incheon Airport Police Unit on the 5th, the police voluntarily accompanied a Hong Kong national, who was involved in transferring masks into delivery boxes (so-called 'box switching'), to the Incheon Airport Police Unit office and plan to investigate soon. It is reported that the masks, estimated to have been purchased domestically by this Hong Kong individual, amount to about 10,000 pieces. The photo shows the controlled scene on the morning of the 6th. / Yeongjongdo = Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Amid an unexpected shortage of masks and hand sanitizers due to the recent novel coronavirus (Wuhan pneumonia) outbreak, the government has decided to implement emergency supply and demand adjustment measures.

On the 6th, Kim Kang-lip, Vice Minister of Health and Welfare, stated after the Central Response Headquarters meeting that "plans are underway to require manufacturers and wholesalers of masks and disinfectants to report shipments and sales to the government (Ministry of Food and Drug Safety)."

Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun attended the Central Response Headquarters meeting that day and ordered the prompt establishment of strong improvement measures to ensure that public concerns about mask supply do not continue.

The government requires all manufacturers to report daily on production volume, domestic shipments, and export quantities. Wholesalers must immediately report buyer information, unit price, and quantity when selling above a certain amount.

Vice Minister Kim said, "Through strong joint government inspections, any omissions, false reports, or illegal activities will be strictly prosecuted." Specifically, concealing production or purchase volumes or abnormal distribution can result in imprisonment of up to two years and fines up to 50 million KRW (under Article 25 of the Price Stabilization Act), along with possible additional fines up to 10 million KRW (under Article 29 of the Price Stabilization Act).

The government also urged the public to actively report any illegal activities related to masks to the reporting centers operated by the government and local governments.

Meanwhile, it was explained that in daily life, infection prevention can be sufficiently achieved with KF80 and health masks. Vice Minister Kim stated, "The general public does not need to wear health masks such as KF94 or KF99," adding, "These masks are recommended for medical personnel." He further emphasized, "Minimizing gaps to fully cover the mouth and nose is more important than the type of mask."

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