Initiatives to solve mask shortage in Korea
DUR system will be applied to limit mask purchase per person.
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Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 (aka Coronavirus) everyone in Korea are wearing masks outside. At the same time shortage of masks in Daegu and Gyeongbuk area is getting people frightened. Let's take a look at what kinds of solutions did Korean government come up with?
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Shortage of Mask
Daegu is the city suffering most from the Coronavirus, but it is getting harder and harder to find masks in a market.
Source：Twitter@RfTx11
Source：Twitter@RfTx11
As of March 6th, confirmed cases of Coronavirus has surpassed 6,000, and the number is mainly focused in Daegu area with 4,693 patients. Masks are getting scarce, price is rising and there have been lot of criticism on the government lately.
Source：Twitter@RfTx11
Government Initiative
Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) announced on February 26th that additional measures will be taken to limit exports of face masks and hand sanitizers to stabilize price and supply. From 26th, export of face mask will be limited to 10% of the day's output. 50% of the day's output will be purchased by the government and will be sold uniformly from designated spots.
연합뉴스
According to the announcement selling places will be Nonghyup (National Agricultural cooperative Federation), Hanaro Mart, post offices, pharmacies and other public offices.
However this masks will be concentrated in remote areas, and also will be very limited quantity. People living in Seoul and other major cities will not be able to benefit much from this In initiative.
DUR System
DUR (Drug Utilization Review) is a health-insurance data system to track drug purchase of a patient. Deputy Prime Minister of Economic Affairs said, "DUR system will be in effect to tolerate the mask purchase." Taiwan has adapted similar initiative a month ago to control the shortage and price of the masks.
연합뉴스
In addition deputy prime minister said that the number of masks produced will be raised to around 13 to 14 million. Government will provide the subsidies to achieve a balanced supply of masks.