Citizens wait in long lines to buy face masks in front of a pharmacy in Seoul, Friday. Yonhap



By Jun Ji-hye



The government and the Korea Medical Association (KMA) have issued conflicting advice on how to use face masks to prevent coronavirus infections, creating confusion among citizens amid a continued shortages of masks.



The KMA announced its guidelines, Thursday, saying it advises against the reuse of disposable masks or wearing those made of cotton.



These are in contrast to the government's revised guidelines announced March 3.



At the time, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety said the reuse of disposable masks on a temporary basis was permissible.



The ministry also said citizens could wear cotton masks if it was difficult to buy other protective masks because of the serious supply shortage.



In a televised message to the public, March 8, Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun also encouraged people to use cotton masks instead of disposable ones, saying medical staff fighting COVID-19 should be prioritized.





Citizens wearing face masks walk along a street in Gangnam District, Seoul, Friday. Yonhap