Wuhan mask maker faces tougher inspections

Mask producers in China have adapted to an increase in orders from overseas and stricter quality inspections from Chinese regulators. Wuhan Zonsen, a producer of masks and disinfection wipes, told media on Saturday orders from European countries and the United States, have increased to "10 times" than before the epidemic. The order is worth 50 million USD, and has filled production until June.

Cynthia Ye, global marketing manager of Zonsen, said the company plans to add another five production lines to increase their daily production from 200,000 to 700,000 masks. In the manufacturer's warehouse, workers wrapped up boxes full of KN95 masks to soon be shipped to the Netherlands.

China's customs administration said on Friday ventilators, masks and other supplies being exported to fight the coronavirus will be subject to quality inspections following complaints of sub-standard goods being sold abroad. Regulators in Australia, the Netherlands and other countries have complained masks, virus test kits and other products were faulty or failed to meet quality standards.

Ye denied there are any quality issues with the masks they had shipped to Netherlands. Wuhan on Wednesday ended its 76-day lockdown, allowing residents to again travel in and out of the city. Wuhan and China are expected to suffer severe economic costs and tens of millions of job losses from the city closure. Ye said the government of Xinzhou district, where Zonsen is located, offered aid to meet the company's labour demands.

Now over 60 workers are back to work and living in a designated hotel to avoid infection and on an increased salary.

Image  Credits: AP