Government confirms priority mask supply

The Shanghai government confirmed on Friday the claim that all face masks produced at Canadian firm Medicom’s Shanghai factory have been supplying local needs.

This was a government decision, and the masks were paid for, it said.

Liu Ping, an official from the Shanghai Justice Bureau, said at a government press conference on Friday that this decision was lawful, according to China’s Law on Response to Emergencies.

Under the law, the government when dealing with emergencies can take over needed equipment, facilities, venues, transportation tools and other materials for use from organizations and individuals when necessary and require companies which produce and supply daily necessities and emergency rescue materials to produce and ensure supplies, Liu said.

“This is the government’s reaction to the epidemic and a forced decision,” he said.