KATHMANDU: There has been a rapid surge in the import of masks in Nepal following a rise in the cases of coronavirus.

According to the Department of Customs, masks worth more than Rs 560 million have been imported to Nepal in the month of Baisakh (April/May) alone.

Most of the masks to Nepal have been imported from China followed by India, Thailand, the UAE and Turkey .

Imports from China amounted to Rs 502.27 million. A total of 84,395 kg of masks have been imported from India. The value of which is Rs 55.84 million.

Similarly, masks weighing 364 kg worth Rs. 267,000 has been imported from Thailand, 107 kg of masks worth Rs 257,000 were imported from UAE and 82 kg of masks worth Rs 199,000 were imported from Turkey.