Dongdaemun-gu Intensifies Crackdown on Hoarding of Masks and Hand Sanitizers

Operation of 'Quarantine Supplies Sales On-site Inspection Team'... Inspection of local pharmacies, convenience stores, marts, and other retailers... Monitoring supply and sales trends of quarantine supplies... Until the end of the novel coronavirus outbreak situation

[Asia Economy Reporter Jong-il Park] Dongdaemun-gu (Mayor Yoo Deok-yeol) is taking active measures to curb hoarding of quarantine supplies amid the spread of the novel coronavirus infection.

The district has been operating a "Quarantine Supplies Sales Field Inspection Team" since the end of last month.

The inspection team conducts daily checks on the prices, supply, and sales trends of quarantine supplies such as masks and hand sanitizers at retail stores including pharmacies, convenience stores, and marts within the area. Sellers who set excessively high prices for quarantine supplies are advised to correct their pricing on the spot.

Additionally, the team continuously promotes restraint in hoarding, adherence to infection prevention guidelines, and caution when selling, aiming to stabilize the prices of quarantine supplies in the district.

The district plans to operate the inspection team until the spread of the novel coronavirus infection is over.

Yoo Deok-yeol, Mayor of Dongdaemun-gu, stated, "Since masks, hand sanitizers, and other items are related to the health of our residents, we ask consumers to purchase only the necessary appropriate amounts and sellers to maintain sound commercial order. We will continue inspections until the risk of the novel coronavirus infection disappears to ensure stable supply of quarantine supplies."

If caught hoarding quasi-drugs related to the novel coronavirus infection (such as masks and hand sanitizers), offenders may face imprisonment of up to two years or fines up to 50 million won under the Price Stabilization Act.

Reports related to this can be made to the Seoul City Hoarding Report Center (☎2133-9550).

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