[Full Text] Prime Minister Jeong "Deeply Apologize to the Public for the Mask Shortage Crisis"

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] Prime Minister Jeong Sye-gyun bowed his head regarding the recent mask crisis and issued a national address titled "A Message to the People on the Full-Scale Implementation of the Mask 5-Day Rotation System" at Daegu City Hall on the 8th.

Prime Minister Jeong said, "Today marks the 13th day since I came to Daegu as the head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters," adding, "Despite the government's efforts, the mask issue has not yet been resolved. As the person responsible for the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters, I feel deeply sorry."

The full text of the address is as follows.

Dear respected citizens,

South Korea is currently fighting a war against COVID-19.

In mid-February, as the number of confirmed cases surged mainly within specific groups, the government raised the COVID-19 response level to 'serious' and reorganized the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters with the Prime Minister as its head. The severely affected areas of Daegu, Cheongdo, and Gyeongsan have been designated as special infectious disease control zones, and we are making every effort to block the spread of COVID-19.

Today marks the 13th day since I took charge of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters and came to Daegu. We have been working to detect confirmed cases early and provide appropriate medical services according to symptoms. We have rebuilt the COVID-19 treatment system and, with the cooperation of local governments and companies nationwide, secured about 2,500 hospital beds and residential treatment centers capable of accommodating approximately 3,500 mild patients.

Dear respected citizens,

Although the urgent fires are being put out, the situation remains severe. Public anxiety has not subsided. In particular, despite the government's efforts, the mask issue has not yet been resolved. As the person responsible for the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters, I feel deeply sorry.

Due to supply not meeting demand, the government had no choice but to limit mask purchases to two per person. This is because there is not only an absolute shortage but also practical constraints requiring priority supply to urgent medical sites and special infectious disease control zones.

After a three-day pilot period, the mask 5-day rotation system will be fully implemented starting tomorrow. The system has been designed to allow as fair a purchase of masks as possible. From Monday to Friday each week, masks can be purchased once a week based on the year of birth, and on weekends, masks can be purchased regardless of birth year for those who could not buy masks on their designated weekdays.

For the mask 5-day rotation system to settle in, the active cooperation of all citizens is essential. Although it may be somewhat inconvenient, I ask you to demonstrate mature civic consciousness based on concession, consideration, and cooperation so that those who truly need masks can purchase them first. Let us wisely overcome the current crisis with the spirit of sharing even a single bean. The government will also mobilize all administrative power to ensure smooth implementation.

Additionally, the revised mask usage guidelines state that masks do not need to be worn outdoors in uncrowded areas, at home, or in individual spaces. Cloth masks are also recommended in places with low infection risk. I and the public officials will take the lead in using cloth masks.

We will make every effort to secure raw materials such as filters to increase mask supply. While maximizing the operation rate of production facilities, we will thoroughly crack down on secret production and illegal distribution.

We will not neglect efforts to revive the stagnant economy. Once the supplementary budget of 11.7 trillion won submitted to the National Assembly is passed, the government will respond swiftly to completely end the COVID-19 situation and restore the economy. We will do our best to create an environment where all citizens can focus on their daily lives and livelihoods.

Dear respected citizens,

It is not the wind and waves but the direction of the sail that determines the ship's course. Even in the headwind of COVID-19, we will move forward.

We deeply appreciate the tearful dedication of medical staff, volunteers, military, police, and firefighters who rushed to Daegu from all over the country, the close cooperation between the central and local governments, and the moving and voluntary support of the citizens.

Our people have shown greater strength in the face of crises and will continue to do so. If all citizens unite and pool their strength, we will surely win the war against COVID-19.

Thank you.

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