CAPACITY INCREASE: Packaging on the masks would mark the expiration date as well as the manufacturers’ contact information, so that consumers can reach them

Taipei Times
Date: Dec 10, 2020
By: Lee I-chia / Staff reporter

Starting on Dec. 31, people would be able to purchase 10 medical-grade masks every two weeks at NT$4 per mask through the government’s rationing system, the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) said yesterday as it reported two new imported cases of COVID-19.

The rules governing the rationing system have been modified a few times since its launch on Feb. 6, based on changing circumstances, and they would be modified again, as the nation’s mask manufacturing capacity has significantly increased, said Minister of Health and Welfare Chen Shih-chung (陳時中), who heads the center.

The number of masks a person can purchase at National Health Insurance-contracted pharmacies would be increased from nine every two weeks to 10, both for adults’ and children’s masks, Chen said.

The masks would be put in packs of 10 by the manufacturers, so pharmacists would no longer need to package them, he said.   [FULL  STORY]