OREANDA-NEWS. Russia plans to receive in May 18 million masks from China through the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation. Almost 180 million masks have been received since March, the press service of the ministry told the Russian media.

"Starting in March, about 178 million masks were imported from China through the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Russia. In May, another 18 million masks are planned to be delivered", the Ministry of Industry and Trade said, noting that decisions on the need for further purchases will be made depending on the dynamics of demand.

The single supplier of medical masks to the regions was Delrus Holding. As explained in the ministry, this is the only company that, during the difficult situation in China, was able to accumulate 2 million masks in two days for shipment to this country, so it was decided to continue cooperation with Delrus regarding supplies already from China.

"The Ministry of Industry and Trade of Russia together with the Ministry of Defense of Russia and Delrus" quickly built a supply chain. The first supply contract was signed on March 17, when only 114 cases of COVID-19 were detected in Russia, and the first shipment arrived on March 23", specified the Ministry of Industry and Trade.