COVID-19 has caused a dramatic shortage in the supply of face masks1, which is mainly explained by a surge in demand.To get more news aboutfamous nonmedical mask factory, you can visit tnkme.com official website.

Since no country can meet the increase in the demand for masks alone, trade is essential. Export bans are harmful for countries without production capacity, but can also backfire on the country imposing them when they need to import inputs, additional masks or other essential goods. Tariffs or export licenses can delay trade, in addition to increasing prices.

The smooth operation of transportation infrastructure and logistics, especially air cargo, is critical to support the face masks value chain during the crisis. More attention should also be given to the supply of key inputs.

But free trade and trade facilitation are not enough to solve the current shortage; an important increase in supply is required in the short-term, requiring government planning and incentives for firms to convert existing assembly lines and create additional capacity. Certification procedures should be expedited to allow masks produced by new companies to be traded as soon as possible

Looking ahead, it would be excessively costly for every country to develop production capacity that matches crisis demand and encompasses the whole value chain. An alternative, more effective and cost-efficient solution in the long-term may involve the combination of strategic stocks; upstream agreements with companies for rapid conversion of assembly lines during crises (with possible government incentives and co-ordination); and supportive international trade measures.

← 1. The term "face mask” generally refers to surgical masks (also known as "procedure masks” or "medical masks”). This note also covers N95 respirators as they have a similar value chain and trade data do not distinguish them from surgical masks.
Surgical masks and N95 respirators are used to prevent the spread of respiratory infections. They are part of the personal protective equipment (PPE) used by health workers and are different from other types of masks used to protect from pollution or dust.1 Surgical masks are loose fitting and designed to trap sprays and droplets from coughing and sneezing.2 N95 respirators fit more tightly and can also protect from smaller airborne particles. While N95 respirators are designed to protect the wearer from infections, surgical masks are mostly used to prevent the wearer from disseminating germs and viruses (such as in the case of a surgeon operating on a patient). Surgical masks do not offer full protection against the coronavirus but are recommended for health workers, particularly when both the patient and the worker wear one.

Both surgical masks and N95 respirators are disposable, explaining the high and recurrent demand. Once used, their external layer may become covered with germs. Moreover, humidity from the mouth slowly alters their filtering properties. Masks are therefore effective only for a few hours (four hours for surgical masks and one day for N95 respirators) and there is a risk of contamination when manipulating them or re-using them. Therefore, the strategy is to have cheap and disposable protective equipment that can be safely disposed of and replaced. Re-usable masks have been found to create higher risks of contamination.3

As the coronavirus is transmitted via droplets of fluid from the nose or mouth, face masks are essential for health workers who are in direct contact with infected patients.4 They can also play a role in preventing sick people from spreading the virus when coughing or simply talking or breathing. While the recommendation initially was to wear masks only when taking care of people suspected of COVID-19 infection, WHO issued new guidance on the use of masks for healthy people in community settings5 on 6 April 2020 and health authorities are increasingly recommending the broader use of masks.

Meeting demand for face masks has become one of the main issues for governments fighting the pandemic. Masks may play an even greater role in the next phase of the crisis, when lockdowns are gradually lifted and economic activity resumes, while the virus remains a threat.

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