Factories in Egypt can now submit requests to obtain approval to produce fabric face masks through the Industrial Development Authority (IDA), Minister of Trade and Industry Nevine Gamei announced.
The IDA will look over the requests so that work can soon roll out to begin manufacturing these masks in order to meet the local market’s demand, she added.
Supervisory agencies from the trade ministry will carry out periodic campaigns inspecting these factories to ensure they meet the ministry’s standards of quality, thereby guaranteeing the highest levels of safety.
The IDA’s head, Magdy Ghazy clarified that the authority will grant approvals for requests within 24 hours from establishments that already manufacture ready-made garments.
While those factories wishing to enter into the field will need to submit an application to the authority with the IDA performing the necessary inspections before granting its approval, Ghazy said.
Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said earlier this month that life in Egypt will begin to return back to normal by mid-June, with restrictions currently in place to be lifted.
The Prime Minister added that sports activities and youth centers are also expected to resume. The government will consider reopening restaurants with precautionary measures and returning religious rituals to places of worship.
Precautionary measures to coexist with the coronavirus will remain in place even after life returns to normal, he added, the most important of which is wearing face masks in public.
Face masks will become compulsory, with penalties for not wearing one to be announced in the future. He said that putting on a face mask will also be applied within public mass transportation.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
