Nowon-gu Distributes 1.1 Million Masks Collected Over a Month by Factory Workers to Residents

Since early February, securing supplies through nationwide visits to Busan, Miryang, Yangju, etc... From the 12th, distributing 2 masks per person to households via neighborhood community center leaders... Masks purchased in lines pose infection risks, so distributing to all households... Providing 5 portable hand sanitizers each to community leaders for hygiene management

[Asia Economy Reporter Jong-il Park] Nowon-gu (Mayor Oh Seung-rok) will distribute 1.1 million masks collected through direct appeals by visiting mask factories, free of charge to residents who are having difficulty purchasing masks due to the shortage.

Over the past month, the district toured nationwide locations including Yangju, Guro, Busan, and Miryang to secure masks.

The target recipients are 531,840 residents registered in Nowon-gu, with 2 masks per person, totaling 1.1 million masks. The masks will be distributed by neighborhood community centers through block leaders visiting each household.

Block leaders visiting all households will also distribute 5 hand sanitizers per person for use, and masks must be worn. The mask distribution envelopes will include masks and prevention guideline notices.

The district planned to provide masks to individual households in early February. This is to alleviate the inconvenience of residents struggling to purchase masks due to supply shortages and to prevent the risk of infection from residents lining up. It is also a consideration for disabled and elderly residents who may have physical difficulties.

To prevent duplicate receipt, block leaders will visit each household to obtain a signature upon receipt, and if absent, will leave contact information so masks can be received later.

Additionally, SMS messages will be sent to inform residents about the mask distribution details.

Over the past month, the district toured nationwide locations including Yangju, Guro, Busan, and Miryang to secure masks. Although the government announced it would supply 80% through public distribution channels such as pharmacies, causing difficulties, the district was able to collect 1.1 million masks by directly visiting mask factories and appealing. This distribution of masks to all households is also expected to help reduce panic buying driven by the desire to stockpile masks in advance.

For infants, 100,000 masks have already been distributed at 4 masks per person. Additional masks secured in the future will be prioritized for vulnerable groups such as the disabled and pregnant women.

Also, starting from the 11th, the district has launched the ‘Cloth Mask Volunteer Corps’ to support social vulnerable groups with cloth masks. Workspaces have been set up in the district office auditorium and two nearby Nowon Lifelong Education Centers. More than 300 volunteers expressed their willingness to participate in just one day on the 10th. They produce 1,000 masks per day.

Mask packaging scene

Oh Seung-rok, Mayor of Nowon-gu, said, “Although there is much anxiety due to COVID-19, I am glad that the district can step up to help residents,” adding, “Seeing the volunteers making cloth masks, I once again feel that the community is alive.”

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