The first shipment of medical masks and sterilisers from China arrived in Qatar on Thursday on an Amiri Air Force flight, complementing a series of precautionary measures being implemented in the country to curb the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) said the shipment would meet the local market’s current demand for masks and sterilisers.

The supplies will be distributed to all outlets across the country, guaranteeing their availability to all those who need them, the ministry added. 

The MoCI had previously set price limits for several types of masks and sterilisers being sold in the country after a surge in the demand for such medical products following the coronavirus outbreak in the country.

The decision was made to ensure essential medical supplies remained affordable to the public as part of the preventive measures to contain the spread of the coronavirus.