[ Press Release, May 22, 2020 / unofficial translation ]


Providing Filtering Respirators/Surgical Masks to Vulnerable Social Groups and Personnel Performing Epidemic-fighting/Public-facing Tasks
- Starting May 25th, 19,760,000 masks supplied to central/local governments -


□ The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (Minister Lee Eui-Kyung) will specially supply a total of 19,760,000 masks starting May 25th for the goals of supporting vulnerable social groups and epidemic fighting, etc. to prevent the spread of COVID-19 throughout community.

○ The government plans to supply filtering respirators and surgical masks to vulnerable social groups and personnel performing epidemic-fighting/public-facing tasks according the requests of the central government agencies/local governments requiring such filtering respirators/surgical masks.
- More specifically, a total of 8.9 mil masks will be supplied to 17 central government departments, including the Ministry of National Defense; National Police Agency; and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, for public purposes such as epidemic prevention management and public-facing operations, and
- a total of 10,860,000 masks will be supplied to 7 cities/provinces including Seoul, Busan, and South Jeolla Province for vulnerable social groups and epidemic prevention management.

< (May 22nd, 2020) Status of Supply of Public Retail of Filtering Respirators/Surgical Masks >
○ On May 22nd, 2020, a total of 7,861,000 filtering respirators/surgical masks were supplied
○ As a part of our policy, 67,000 masks are supplied to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport for transportation personnel.


□ The locations where you can purchase filtering respirators/surgical masks as of today are: ?pharmacies across the country, ?Nonghyup Hanaro Marts (excluding Seoul/Gyeonggi Province), and ?post offices (in Daegu/Cheongdo and Eup/Myeon-level regions).

○ A five-day rotation system according to the purchaser’s birth year is being implemented. On a Friday, people whose birth year ends in 0 or 5 can purchase up to 3 per person, and divided purchase over the weekend is also allowed.
○ In case of proxy purchasing, all necessary documents should be brought to make purchases according to the last digits of a proxy purchaser or a beneficiary’s birth year.

□ When putting on a filtering respirator/surgical mask, wash your hands first with soap and water or use hand sanitizer. After putting on a mask, check if there is any gap between your face and the filtering respirator/surgical mask and keep your hands away from the mask while wearing it.

○ Furthermore, make sure to follow everyday instructions such as washing your hands. Filtering respirators/surgical masks must be worn if you have any respiratory symptoms such as coughing or are visiting a medical facility.


Eligibility for Proxy Purchase of Public Filtering Respirators/Surgical Masks and Required Documents
- Please find the attached file