In response to the mask situation in Japan following the Covid-19 outbreak, Japan has made the move to ban the resale of masks.

Penalties imposed for flouting ban

On Mar. 3, Japan's Ministry of Heath, Labour and Welfare ordered domestic mask manufacturers and importers to sell 4 million face masks to the ministry, reported Asahi Shimbun.

These masks would be distributed to coronavirus-hit communities in Hokkaido.

Hokkaido accounts for the largest number of Covid-19 cases out of all prefectures—82 infections in Hokkaido were reported on Mar. 4.

This order was made under the 1973 law on emergency measures to stabilise living conditions for the public, which makes this the first time the law has been invoked since its enactment.

Every household in two Hokkaido towns, Naka-Furano and Kitami, will receive 40 masks each.

¥2.285 billion (S$29 million) will be used from Japan's reserve fund of 2020's fiscal budget to cover the distribution costs.

Soranews reported that the law also give Japanese authorities to ban the resale of masks.

The ban is expected to come into effect as early as next week (Mar. 9 onwards), according to NHK News.

Those who flout the ban could potentially be fined up to ¥3 million (S$39,222) and imprisoned for up to five years.

Reselling online at exorbitant prices

The ban comes after the resale of masks at exorbitant prices online amidst shortages in supply.

Large volumes of masks were put up on sale on online auction sites. Japan Times reported that a pack of seven masks which usually retailed at ¥400 (S$0.68) was being sold online for ¥4,000 (S$52.30)

There has been a surge in the resale of masks ahead of the ban, with hoarders likely hoping to clear their stock.

Aside from penalties, the ministry also ask online auction companies to voluntarily stop listing masks on their websites, reported Japan Times.

The shortages also caused quite a kerfuffle in some areas, with fights breaking out in Yokohama over the precious commodity.

Top photo from Getty Images