It would not normally raise production to meet short-term demand, but the masks are easy to produce and only NT$3 apiece, he said. People only have a few options when buying a mask — such as surgical masks, dust masks, industrial masks and respirators — but masks are likely to become more comfortable, closer fitting and more effective, Hsu added. Companies such as Motex keep production local, because they recognize the importance of having a local source for something as important as masks, he said. Hsu praised the government’s vigorous response to COVID-19, saying that NT$200 million (US$6.7 million) was invested into mask production, administrative procedures were expedited and military personnel were offered as additional labor for mask production. “The government is also working with manufacturers to ensure an uninterrupted supply of non-woven fabric,” he said.

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