[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The Russian government has banned the export of personal protective equipment such as masks, goggles, and medical gloves abroad in relation to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). This measure is interpreted as a response to price surges and shortages caused by hoarding of personal protective equipment.
According to the Russian state news agency TASS, on the 5th (local time), Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin announced a ban on the export of medical masks, bandages, goggles, disinfectants, and medical gloves abroad until June 1. Exceptions are allowed for humanitarian aid or personal use when exporting or carrying masks. Denis Manturov, Russia's Minister of Industry and Trade, explained that Russia's daily mask production is only 1.5 million units, and this measure was implemented due to shortages caused by hoarding.
In Russia, recently, residents fearful of the spread of COVID-19 have started hoarding masks, leading to shortages. In pharmacies in Yaroslavl city near Moscow, masks for sale have run out, causing shortages, and in Krasnoyarsk, Eastern Siberia, mask sales have been limited to two per person.
In Kazan, the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan in central Russia, concerns about COVID-19 have increased, and some residents have recently rushed to hoard masks. Kazan is where Russian nationals who boarded the cruise ship "Diamond Princess," which was quarantined at Yokohama Port in Japan, were quarantined after returning home.
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