Minister of Trade and Industry Nevine Gamea has suspended the export of surgical masks, medical gear such as bandages and one-use chemical protection suits, and all types of alcohol for three months, amid fears over the spread of the coronavirus. The suspension would not affect exports being made for humanitarian reasons. The Minister said these two decisions aim to provide Egyptian's needs of these products, in light of the precautionary measures taken by the Egyptian government to protect citizens from the Coronavirus. Alcohol-based hand sanitisers contain varying amounts and types of alcohol, often between 60%-95%. Alcohol is known to be able to kill most germs. Gamea added that the two decisions were taken in coordination with the Ministry of Health and the manufacturers of these products, as it was observed in the past few days that large quantities of these products have been exported to foreign markets where the virus has spread, which negatively affects their availability in the local market.
