Suwon Distributes Masks to Apartment Security Guards, Delivery Workers

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Seo Dong-young] Suwon City has launched efforts to block silent transmission by distributing masks to epidemiologically vulnerable groups, including apartment security guards and delivery workers.

The city plans to distribute health masks to high-risk facility workers and epidemiologically vulnerable groups over a week-long period starting December 4th.

A total of 184,530 masks will be provided to postal workers, apartment complex security guards and cleaners, delivery workers, and welfare facilities during this period.

The city will supply 10,000 masks each to two postal distribution centers in the region for delivery to postal workers. Security guards and cleaners at apartment complexes will receive masks through dong community centers, while delivery workers will receive them via individual delivery.

Previously, the city distributed 394,016 masks to 160 high-risk facilities such as nursing homes for the elderly and public transportation workers, including bus and taxi drivers, from late October through early December.

Including the previous distribution and this current support, a total of 578,546 masks will be distributed to epidemiologically vulnerable groups and high-risk facility workers.

With social distancing Level 2 currently in effect, all indoor areas throughout Gyeonggi Province and outdoor areas where high-risk activities take place require mandatory mask wearing. Those who fail to wear masks face fines.

With concerns growing about a third wave of COVID-19 centered in the Seoul metropolitan area, the city is making continuous efforts to actively promote mask-wearing as a daily habit among citizens.

The 'Masks Are the Answer' campaign, which collected and mosaicked photos of mask-wearing citizens through online means in May, spread widely, followed by offline promotional examples. The campaign has been implemented at city buses, subway stairs, Hwaseong Palace Square, and tourist attractions. Franchise cafes based in Suwon have used the campaign on cup holders to encourage citizen participation in mask-wearing.

Kim Yong-deok, head of the city's Safety and Transportation Division, said, "Mask-wearing is the most effective way to prevent silent transmission, so we urge citizens to actively participate. Public officials will also maintain the same determination as when COVID-19 first began, stay vigilant, respond appropriately, and prepare for the third wave," he added.