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| People line up to buy masks outside a pharmacy in Jongno, Seoul, Monday./ Yonhap |
By Kim Se-jeong
An increasing number of people have discovered their resident registration numbers have been used by others to purchase hard-to-get face masks amid continued supply shortages, according to police officers Monday.
In Gwangju, 350 kilometer south of Seoul, police said they received complaints from two citizens who couldn't buy masks because someone else had already used their ID without their knowledge. In one case, the masks were purchased in Muan, South Jeolla Province, while for another case, the ID was presented in North Gyeongsang Province.
Beginning on March 9, each resident has been able to buy two masks per week at a pharmacy upon presenting their personal identification card. Also, people are restricted to buying masks once a week between Monday and Friday based on each individual's birth year ― although these are not applicable on weekends. The government instituted the rules in order to manage possible mask shortages, as demand increased when Korea's cases skyrocketed towards the end of February.
The police said they will commence investigations to locate the two accused of identity theft.
According to the police, similar complaints were filed throughout the country last week.
On Feb. 26, the government put in place the first round of regulations by partially banning mask exports to China and overseeing mask production and distribution.
On March 9, the government further instituted the current regulation requiring ID cards, along with a complete mask export ban to China. It also continued to crack down on traders who were hoarding masks.
The situation has inspired creative individuals to find solutions to the mask shortage. Some recycled the masks, mostly designed for single use, or made their own masks using cotton products. Last week, Nowon District Office in Seoul mobilized volunteers to make cotton masks for the needy.
