Suwon Actively Supports Public Mask Sales at Pharmacies

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Seo Dong-young] As the "Public Mask Five-Day Rotation System" takes effect from March 9, Suwon City has begun supporting public mask sales at pharmacies in the city by operating a "Mask Delivery Team."

Suwon Mayor Yom Tae-young instructed prior to the implementation of the five-day mask rotation system, "Prepare support measures so masks can be delivered to pharmacies quickly."

At a "COVID-19 Response Situation Review Meeting" held at Suwon City Hall's Disaster and Safety Situation Room on March 9, he stated, "Once the five-day mask rotation system is established, mask distribution will stabilize to some degree, but the initial week will likely see considerable confusion. Provide citizens with accurate information about remaining mask inventory at each pharmacy and mask sales hours to minimize confusion."

He continued, "The mask sales process is complex, and we are grateful to pharmacists who are performing this public service. If any pharmacy faces difficulties in mask distribution, the city will provide active support."

Accordingly, the city has operated a Mask Delivery Team and "Mask Coordination Team" from March 9. The "Mask Delivery Team," consisting of 5 teams with 15 members, is responsible for receiving masks from distribution centers and rapidly delivering them to pharmacies for sale.

Additionally, two personnel—including public officials and neighborhood leaders—have been assigned to 19 pharmacies that requested manpower support from the Suwon Pharmacists Association to help maintain order. Suwon City plans to expand manpower support in coordination with the pharmacists association.

The "Public Mask Five-Day Rotation System" is a system where masks can only be purchased on designated days. On Mondays, people whose birth year ends in 1 or 6 can purchase 2 masks; Tuesdays 2 or 7; Wednesdays 3 or 8; Thursdays 4 or 9; and Fridays 5 or 0. On weekends, those who did not purchase during the week can purchase regardless of birth year.

When purchasing public masks at pharmacies, a valid identification document such as a resident registration card, driver's license, or passport must be presented. Purchase information is shared among all pharmacies, so those who have purchased masks cannot purchase more at other pharmacies.

Children born in 2010 or later (including those born in 2010) and seniors born in 1940 or earlier (including those born in 1940), people with disabilities, and long-term care insurance recipients can have a household member or other representative purchase masks on their behalf.

Those purchasing on behalf of others should visit a pharmacy on the designated five-day rotation day corresponding to the birth year of the proxy purchaser's target, bringing an official identification document and a family register copy. The family register must show both the proxy purchaser and the target purchaser listed as household members. The Ministry of Interior and Safety has decided to waive family register copy issuance fees until the end of March in accordance with the implementation of the five-day mask rotation system.