By Liu Yu-ching and William Hetherington / Staff reporter, with staff writerWith the nation banning mask exports, Coast Guard Administration officials in Penghu County yesterday seized tens of thousands of masks on board a fishing vessel. There were more than 71,000 masks in 195 boxes, of which 70 contained N95 respirators, officials said. As there is a ban on mask exports, people are allowed to carry only up to five boxes of masks for personal use when passing through customs, officials said. Given the large quantity of masks, particularly the medical-grade respirators, found onboard the boat, the coast guard said that it would need to conduct an investigation. The ban on mask exports is in effect from Jan. 24 to Feb. 23 to ensure an adequate supply of masks for domestic use, Coast Guard Administration 7th Corps Deputy Chief Cheng Wen-hao (鄭文豪) said.

Source: Taipei Times February 12, 2020 15:56 UTC