Amid Coronavirus scare, Centre prohibits export of masks with immediate effect

Government of India on Saturday anunced a ban on  export of respiratory masks and protective gears until furr orders. This decision comes after demand for N95 masks and coveralls soared in China, amid  Coronavirus outbreak.

Centre has instructed that export of all kinds of equipment used for personal protection- including clothing and  masks, used to protect wearer from airborne particles are prohibited. list also includes or protective clothing coveralls such as class 2, 3, 4 and N95 masks.

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As cases of deadly Coronavirus is increasing rapidly in China, demand for face masks has also been on a rise. People around world are buying protective face masks in hope of keeping deadly virus which has affected over 20 countries at bay. 

Due to this, China has run out of masks and is dependent on export from neighbouring countries. Several countries including India have been producing N95 masks in huge quantities for export to China.

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first case of Coronavirus in India

A student in Kerala, studying at Wuhan University, was tested positive of deadly Coronavirus and was moved to an isolation ward immediately.  patient is said to be currently stable and is being closely monitored by doctors. 

India has been continuously monitoring situation in China and Cabinet Secretary of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare reviewed preparedness against vel Coronavirus. On Friday, a special Air India flight departed to rescue over 300 Indian families from Wuhan, which is epicentre of Coronavirus.

 screening of passengers with travel history from China has been extended to 13 more airports and ministry is procuring more rmal scanners for faster screening.

India has also built up quarantine facilities for Indian nationals who returned from China on Saturday, to detect possible cases of Coronavirus. 

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