- Proxy purchases partially permitted -

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The Government of the Republic of Korea has expanded the eligibility for purchasing publicly-supplied face masks, which is meant to help foreign residents in the blind spot of the health system.

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As of April 20 (Mon.), 2020, foreign residents (registered aliens and those who reported place of residence) in the nation are eligible to buy publicly-supplied face masks at government-designated stores and pharmacies across the nation by presenting his/her Alien Registration Card, Permanent Resident Card, or Overseas Korean Resident Card.

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Under this new measure, foreign residents are now able to buy face masks by only presenting his/her identification without an NHI (National Health Insurance) Card. (Allowed to buy face masks, irrespective of subscription to the national health insurance)

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In addition, those eligible foreigners above can make by-proxy purchases of face masks for listed family members by presenting the Certificate of Alien Registration to pharmacies and stores. The scope of proxy purchases for foreigners is the same as the one for Korean residents and further details can be found at the website of the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety.

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□ NOTE

○ Those without an identification or staying illegally are not allowed to buy publicly-supplied masks.

○ Those making purchases using others’names may be subject to criminal punishment.

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□ Scope of Proxy Purchases

① Those born in or before the year 1940

② Those born in or after the year 2002

③ The disabled

④ Pregnant women, etc.

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□ Rules on Proxy-buying Days Eased

○ Starting April 27, proxy purchases can be made on either of the assigned purchase days of the proxy him/herself and the person for whom a proxy purchase is made to buy the rationed amount of face masks for both of them.

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For instance, a parent of an elementary student, whose assigned purchase day falls respectively on Fridays and Mondays is now able to buy the rationed amount altogether on either Mondays or Fridays.