Taiwan’s ban on exports and domestic retail sales of surgical masks is set to be lifted June 1, according to the Ministry of Economic Affairs. (Staff photo/Chen Mei-ling)

Taiwan is set to lift the ban on exports and domestic retail sales of surgical masks June 1, according to the Ministry of Economic Affairs May 27.

Once the rationing regulations are loosened, nearly 12 million surgical masks per day will be available for consumers at home and abroad, while eight million will continue to be requisitioned by the government.

According to the MOEA, the government has requisitioned over 1.3 billion surgical masks since January 31 and now has a reserve of nearly 300 million. If the national stock falls below 100 million masks, the government will up the number held to 12 million per day to ensure adequate supplies, the ministry added.

During the daily briefing held by the Central Epidemic Command Center May 27, Minister of Economic Affairs Shen Jong-chin said the MOEA will leave no stone unturned to stabilize the price and quantity of masks.

People who want to purchase masks at a controlled price will still be able to do so at participating convenience stores, pharmacies and supermarkets countrywide by using their national health cards, Shen said, adding that the government will continue providing a total of nine masks every two weeks at NT$5 (US$0.17) each.
 
The regulation change follows an announcement by the CECC a day earlier that restrictions on social gatherings will loosen starting June 7.

According to the CECC, the limit of 100 attendees for indoor activities will be removed next Sunday if no locally transmitted coronavirus cases are reported in the days prior. Attendees must register their names and wear masks if unable to maintain proper social distance during events, the CECC added.

Latest statistics from the CECC reveal 441 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Taiwan as of May 28, with seven deaths. Among these, 420 cases have been treated and discharged from hospital. (YCH-E)