Tasnim � The export of face masks made in Iran is banned for now given a surge in the coronavirus cases and the growing demand for masks inside the country, an official said.

�Based on a decision made by the (coronavirus) task force, it is forbidden to export different types of masks for the time being,� said Jamshid Golpour, head of the Industry and Trade Ministry�s Centre for Guilds and Businesspeople.

He further touched upon health protocols that make wearing masks obligatory and highlighted that some provinces are in a �red� state with regards to the COVID-19 outbreak.

He also urged people as well as the private and public sectors to contribute to efforts to contain the novel coronavirus.

�The Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade makes every effort to remove obstacles to production, especially those in the cycle of producing masks,� Golpour said, according to the Iranian government�s official website.

�Producers are expected to provide distribution networks with standard masks at already approved prices,� he stressed, adding that the Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade supports the workshops producing masks.

Masks should also be offered for sale via online shops, he said.

Iran�s Health Ministry said on Monday that the number of people tested positive for COVID-19 infection in the country has risen to 243,051 and the death toll has reached 11,731.