Gangbuk-gu, Production and Distribution of National Safety Masks

Production of Cotton Masks Proven Safe Through Local Sewing Companies, Purchased by District Office and Distributed in Public Sector... Expected to Solve Health Mask Supply Issues and Revitalize Local Economy

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Gangbuk-gu (District Mayor Park Kyum-soo) is producing and distributing 'National Safety Masks' to minimize residents' anxiety caused by the shortage of public masks due to the spread of COVID-19 and the economic downturn.

Although the nationwide mask 5-day rotation system has improved the supply of health masks such as KF80 and KF94, supply is still insufficient compared to demand.

As a solution, the need to produce cotton masks with detachable anti-static filters to enhance performance has emerged.

On March 13, the district mayors of nine autonomous districts in the northeastern area, including Gangbuk-gu, and representatives of local sewing cooperatives held an emergency general meeting of the Seoul Northeastern District Fashion Sewing Industry Development Council and agreed on the production and public purchase of National Safety Masks.

The products made through local sewing companies consist of a set of one washable cotton mask and four anti-static filters. The Korean Apparel Testing & Research Institute tested the prototype and confirmed its safety, including harmful substance content and performance in blocking fine particles (dust collection efficiency).

The district purchased a total of 100,000 masks at a unit price of 2,200 KRW (including VAT) and paid 30% of the advance payment to sewing companies to ensure smooth production. This mask production is expected to increase work for sewing companies struggling economically, alleviate management difficulties, and promote an eco-friendly culture by reducing waste through the use of washable and reusable cotton masks.

The purchased items will be distributed to residents who urgently need cotton masks, welfare facility workers, and public institution employees. Additional purchases will be made if demand increases in the future.

Park Kyum-soo, Mayor of Gangbuk-gu, stated, “The distribution of National Safety Masks includes the government's policy to have public institutions take the lead in using cotton masks and to reserve health masks for people at high risk of infection.” He added, “The mask distribution will ease the mask shortage and revive the sewing industry, thereby revitalizing the local economy.”

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