Pyeongtaek to Prioritize Distribution of 23,000+ Masks to Pregnant Women, Cancer Patients

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Seo Dong-young] Pyeongtaek City announced on the 2nd that it prioritized distribution of 23,115 masks to high-risk groups including pregnant women, cancer patients, and those with rare and intractable diseases, who are vulnerable populations to COVID-19.

While masks have been supplied through official retail channels since the 28th, the supply is far short of demand, leading the city to conclude that high-risk group members face greater difficulty in obtaining masks.

The city sent 5 masks per person via mail on the 2nd to 4,623 individuals registered at Pyeongtaek, Songtan Health Centers, and Anjung Health Subcenter, including pregnant women, cancer and rare disease patients, and those with mental health conditions.

Additionally, the city plans to coordinate with the medical association to distribute additional quantities through each medical institution to residents aged 70 and older among diabetic patients registered at medical facilities, as supplies become available.

Pyeongtaek Mayor Jung Jang-seon stated, "We ask citizens to understand our priority distribution to pregnant women, cancer patients, and those with underlying diseases, who are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19," and added, "We will do our utmost to ensure smooth mask supply." He further urged, "We ask that you maintain strict personal hygiene to prevent COVID-19, and that you refrain from gatherings, events, and education programs where many people gather for the time being."

Meanwhile, the city has distributed a total of 289,115 masks to health-vulnerable citizens, including 135,000 masks to high-risk groups and social welfare and elderly care facilities, and 131,000 masks to low-income populations such as basic livelihood security recipients in towns and villages.