The Central Epidemic Command Center announced on Tuesday that an updated system of mask rationing will officially kick in on Thursday.
In an effort to manage the soaring demand for surgical masks since the COVID-19 outbreak, the government implemented a named-based mask rationing policy. Under the system, each member of the public can purchase three masks every 7 days.
Health minister Chen Shih-Chung said Tuesday the new system will allow holders of national insurance cards to purchase masks via online platforms and pick them up at their local convenience stores.
Chen also said that the command center will track the data of the buyers, including the total number of purchases and buyers’ demographics. The goal, he said, is to help adjust the distribution of masks to different parts of Taiwan in the future.