'You Before Me'... Mask Yielding Relay

Mask Shortage Amid 5-Day Rotation System Implemented
Priority Supply to Medical Staff and Vulnerable Groups

"Fear of Infection, But..."
COVID-19 Prevention Possible Through Social Distancing and Handwashing

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Jung-yoon] "I am somewhat afraid of possibly being infected with the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). However, I plan not to purchase masks for the time being so that the elderly and vulnerable groups can have priority access to buy them."

Office worker Kim Seung-yeon (28) decided to join the 'No Mask Buying Movement.' This is because she heard that due to the spread of COVID-19, a mask shortage has occurred, leaving vulnerable groups unable to purchase masks. Born in 1992, she is eligible to buy masks on the 10th under the five-day mask purchase system but chose not to visit pharmacies and instead decided to reuse the masks she already has.

As the unprecedented mask rationing system was implemented due to the 'mask crisis,' hashtags such as #NoMaskBuyingMovement and #YieldMasks have been spreading mainly on social networking services (SNS) like Facebook and Instagram. This is a voluntary citizen movement encouraging those without immune system issues or who have sufficient masks to postpone purchasing masks or reuse cloth masks. Currently, the daily average mask production in Korea is only about 10 million, making it difficult for each citizen to purchase even one mask per week.

The movement began when professional wrestler Kim Nam-hoon posted on his Twitter account on the 1st, saying, "If you have about 15 to 20 masks at home, how about refraining from buying more for the time being? So that those who really need them can get them." University student Lee Soo-young (21) also joined the No Mask Buying Movement, writing, "Young people can purchase masks in advance through the internet, but the elderly probably found even that difficult. I hope this movement prevents vulnerable groups from having to turn back after going to pharmacies."

The public sector is also responding to the civic movement. Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun stated on the 8th, "To prioritize supplying masks to medical staff and others, consideration, concession, and cooperation are absolutely necessary," adding, "Except for essential cases, I urge restraint in using medical masks and actively recommend wearing cloth masks." The Korean Pharmaceutical Association also proposed the 'I'm OK, You First' campaign to ensure masks are supplied to those who truly need them.

Experts say the mask yielding movement will have a positive effect on overcoming COVID-19. Jeon Byung-yul, former director of the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and dean of the Graduate School of Health Industry at CHA University, said, "If it is not a confined space, young people or those with strong immunity can sufficiently prevent COVID-19 by practicing social distancing, keeping 2 meters apart, and regular handwashing," adding, "In a situation where there is no sharp solution to expand mask supply, prioritizing masks for vulnerable groups and promoting reuse is a very positive movement."

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