NEWS BRIEF

[Anchor Lead]

Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki announced a plan to host an annual large-scale sales event in November. The minister said the two-week Korea Sale Festa will take place both online and offline in a manner to obey COVID-19 rules and ensure public safety. Running from November first to 15, the event is aimed at helping small businesses develop more markets and pumping up consumption to boost an economic recovery amid the prolonged pandemic.
A ban on hoarding and stockpiling protective masks and hand sanitizer will remain in place until the end of this year. Despite increased supplies of such hygienic items, the government decided to extend the hoarding ban, as COVID-19 outbreaks are continuing. Meanwhile, South Korea produced over 280 million masks in the third week of September alone.
A study has proved the virus-killing effects of lactic acid bacteria present in kimchi. The National Institute of Biological Resources began a test in April using a culture fluid of a lactic acid bacterium called NIBR 97, which was separated from the Korean fermented staple dish. The researchers found the fluid is effective in killing non-pathogenic human immunodeficiency viruses. It also removed up to 99 percent of type A flu viruses.