[Report] "Thank You, Pharmacists" Public Mask System Abolished... Citizens Express 'Gratitude'

Public Mask System Abolished on the 12th, Supply Shifted to Market System
"Finally Some Rest" Pharmacists Met on Jongno Pharmacy Street Smile
Citizens Say "Thank You to the Dedicated Pharmacists"
President Moon Expresses Special Thanks to 'Citizens' and 'Pharmacists' for Stabilizing Mask Supply

On the afternoon of the 8th, a notice announcing the abolition of the public mask system was posted on the main entrance of a pharmacy in Jongno, Seoul. The public mask system will be abolished on the 12th. Photo by Seunggon Han hsg@asiae.co.kr

[Asia Economy reporters Seunggon Han and intern reporter Juhyung Lim] "The people have endured a lot."

With the public mask system being abolished from the 12th, pharmacists who had struggled through the so-called 'mask crisis' can now breathe a sigh of relief. Some pharmacists dedicated themselves by coming to work early to assist citizens lining up from dawn and providing various medical information.

In particular, during the implementation of the 'mask 5-day rotation system,' people whose birth year digits did not match the designated days came to pharmacies and caused disturbances when told they could not buy masks.

Nevertheless, pharmacists were on the front lines of quarantine every day, providing convenience to citizens on the spot. Citizens did not forget their gratitude toward the pharmacists.

On the afternoon of the 8th, office worker A (38), whom we met on the pharmacy street in Jongno, Seoul, said, "Without the pharmacists, it would have been impossible to purchase masks in such an orderly manner," adding, "They are truly grateful people. I think they served the citizens during the COVID-19 situation."

Another office worker B in his 40s said, "Pharmacists were just receiving and selling masks, but I remember getting a bit annoyed because of COVID-19," and expressed gratitude by saying, "(Without the pharmacists) thanks to them, we were able to wear masks properly." He added, "I hope such a situation never happens again, but thanks to the pharmacists, I think we can buy masks in an orderly way."

A pharmacy in Euljiro, Jung-gu, Seoul, last March. During lunchtime, a long line of office workers waiting to buy masks stretches out. Photo by Joohee Kang, intern reporter kjh818@asiae.co.kr

As citizens continue to express their gratitude toward pharmacists, the pharmacists also emphasized, "Even if the COVID-19 situation worsens again, we can respond to our duties as we did during the public mask system."

Pharmacist C, in his 50s, who has been operating a pharmacy in Jongno for over 20 years, said about the news of the public mask system ending soon, "It was a bit tough when the mask crisis first occurred, but now I can rest a little." He added with a broad smile, "Honestly, I feel somewhat relieved."

He then emphasized, "If the public mask system is implemented again, I can actively step forward for the citizens."

Another pharmacist B in his 60s, operating a nearby pharmacy, said, "At first, neither we nor the customers were prepared, so it was truly a hardship," and lamented, "Some customers even insisted on the mask color, size, and brand one by one." He added, "I'm glad it's ending now."

Pharmacist C in his 50s said, "I am happy that pharmacists also contributed to the quarantine policy," but urged, "Since pharmacists worked hard during this mask measure, I hope thorough measures will be prepared so that sudden mask shortages do not occur again."

Pharmacist D in his 50s, who has operated a pharmacy in Jongno for 20 years, said, "Actually, during the mask crisis, our pharmacy was not very crowded (with customers looking for masks). The hard work was all done by our next-door neighbor," but shared his feelings, "Now that there is no worry about masks for a while, I feel like a heavy burden has been lifted."

A pharmacy located in an alley in Jung-gu, Seoul. The photo is unrelated to specific expressions in the article. Photo by Han Seung-gon hsg@asiae.co.kr

Along with the continued expressions of gratitude from citizens toward pharmacists, President Moon Jae-in also expressed special thanks to the 'people,' 'pharmacists,' and 'related ministries and industries' who contributed to stabilizing mask supply.

On the 7th, President Moon presided over the 35th Cabinet meeting held at the Sejong Government Complex and via video conference, stating, "The transparent and honest disclosure of the situation where supply could not meet demand, the implementation of the 5-day rotation system, the active cooperation of the people, and the stabilization of mask supply were good examples for us to reflect on how our administration should be."

He added, "I have many reflections on the mask sector," and urged, "The Cabinet should reflect on the significance left by mask administration."

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) has prepared an emergency amendment to abolish the public supply of health masks as mask production has increased and supply has stabilized, to be implemented from the 12th.

The public mask system was first introduced at the end of February during the early COVID-19 crisis when the mask crisis occurred. Once this system is abolished, health masks can be freely purchased by anyone at various sales outlets such as pharmacies, supermarkets, convenience stores, and online. Currently, only up to 10 masks per person per week can be purchased.

A pharmacy located in Euljiro, Jung-gu, Seoul, last March. It appears quiet. Photo by Min Junyoung, intern reporter mjy7051@asiae.co.kr

Before the system ends, the MFDS plans to allow mask purchases without duplicate purchase checks or quantity restrictions at current public mask sales outlets for four days from the 8th to the 11th.

Droplet-blocking masks will continue to be supplied through the market supply system, not as public masks, as before. The government plans to induce the expansion of production and supply of droplet-blocking masks by promoting rapid approval and supporting market development to ensure smooth supply.

However, surgical and droplet-blocking masks will continue to be banned from export to ensure smooth domestic supply.

The government plans to promptly take public intervention measures such as purchase quantity restrictions and purchase day systems if an emergency situation like the mask crisis occurs after the public supply of health masks is discontinued.

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