The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety on July 7 said the public from July 8 can purchase as many masks as desired in announcing an end to the government’s mask rationing program. (Kim Sunjoo)
By Kim Young Deok and Lee Jihae
Koreans from July 8 can purchase as many masks as desired at venues designated to sell them under the government rationing program, including pharmacies and post offices.
From July 12, venues not designated as sales outlets under the program such as discount chains, convenience stores and online can sell masks.
Thus the government terminated its weekly mask quota based on a buyer’s birth year.
The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety on July 7 said the measure reflects the ramping up of mask output and stabilized supply and demand, calling the scrapping of the quota an effective response to diversified demand.
President Moon Jae-in on July 7 told a Cabinet meeting at Cheong Wa Dae that “transparent disclosure” of a situation of supply failing to meet demand, the implementation of the weekly mask quota, the people’s “active cooperation,” and stabilization of mask supply and demand are good examples reflecting how national administration should be.
kyd1991@korea.kr
