Government stops export of N95 masks and protective clothing amid coronavirus scare
New Delhi/IBNS/Sputnik: The Central government has prohibited the export of all types of personal protection equipment, including masks and clothing, with immediate effect in view of the rising threat from the deadly novel coronavirus.
“Export of all varieties of personal protection equipment including clothing and masks used to protect the wearer from airborne particles and/or any other respiratory masks or any other personal protective clothing [including coveralls (class 2/3/4) and N95 masks] is prohibited with immediate effect till further orders,” the notification by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry on Friday read.
The government made amendments in Schedule 2 of the ITC (HS) Export policy 2018 for prohibiting the export of the goods with immediate effect.
Manufactures in India had increased production on N95 masks and protective clothing in view of the rising demand in China and the domestic market.
The first case of novel coronavirus was confirmed in Kerala, the Union Health Ministry said on Thursday.
Over 2,100 new cases have been confirmed within the past 24 hours, according to the commission.
The new strain of coronavirus — 2019-nCoV — was first detected in the Chinese city of Wuhan, located in the Hubei province, in December and has since spread to more than 20 countries.
On Friday, the first two cases of the new coronavirus were recorded in Russia: in the Zabaykalsky Territory and the Tyumen Region.
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