The economics ministry has announced that it is imposing a month-long ban on the export of two types of surgical mask.
The ban comes amid concerns about an outbreak of a new strain of coronavirus centered in China. Taiwan has confirmed one case of infection, and the export ban aims to ensure that Taiwan has enough surgical masks available to prevent further cases.
The ban took effect Friday, and will stay in place until February 23. It covers masks designed to filter out 95% of small particles, commonly known as N95 masks, as well as other masks made of fiber.