Morocco restricts exports of respiratory masks

Morocco subjected the export of face masks to special export permits after the Covid-19 outbreak in the world triggered a supply shortage combined with high demand.

The decision also comes after authorities seized 100,000 masks in a vehicle in Tangier port. The British driver intended to sell the masks in his country for high prices.

Moroccan media voiced fears over a shortage of facemasks after stockpiles were depleted in pharmacies.

Health minister Khalid Ait Taleb said in a statement that Morocco has a stockpile of 12 million masks dedicated to protect medical staff and infected people. He added that ordinary citizens are not required to wear them.

He said Morocco has its own respiratory mask production plants operated by the Royal gendarmerie, civil protection and a private company.