China Faces Mask Shortage... "Orders to Expand Imports of Daily Necessities and Medical Supplies"

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Park Sun-mi] The Chinese government plans to expand imports of medical supplies and daily necessities.

According to Xinhua News Agency on the 5th, the Ministry of Commerce of China issued a notice to expand imports of medical supplies and daily necessities, which are in short supply due to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection. This measure reflects the situation where medical supplies, including masks, have become severely insufficient within China.

The Ministry of Commerce stated, "All sectors must recognize the importance of expanding imports that can tighten control over the novel coronavirus," and added, "We will share information and consult with various chambers of commerce in China and overseas cooperative companies regarding the shortage of medical supplies."

The shortage of medical supplies and daily necessities is most severe in Hubei Province, where many novel coronavirus patients are concentrated. In Wuhan City, support is being provided quickly due to media attention, but smaller cities near Wuhan are experiencing difficulties due to lack of supplies.

In Xiaogan City next to Wuhan, it is reported that even doctors have to endure a week with only one mask, indicating the difficulty in accessing medical supplies. Additionally, in Huanggang, where confirmed cases are rapidly increasing, a "going-out control order" has been issued, allowing only one person per household to go out every two days to purchase daily necessities. However, even this supply is insufficient, making it difficult to obtain daily necessities.

The Ministry of Commerce of China also announced that, besides medical supplies and daily necessities, imports will be expanded in the meat and agricultural products sectors to maintain smooth supply within China. Due to self-imposed rural road closures to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus without government approval, the smooth supply of meat and agricultural products has also been disrupted.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.