Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Director General Hayel Obaidat said on Saturday, March 7, that 15 pharmacies and seven companies were closed by the FDA for overpricing of masks and sterilizers.

During a lecture at the Irbid Chamber of Industry on the FDA's strategy, Obaidat confirmed that the FDA will have zero tolerance with mask price manipulation or monopoly, pointing out that three factories currently make masks that are sold by the military and civil consumer corporations across the kingdom.

Obaidat stated that Jordan has sufficient strategic stocks of face masks, sterilants and disinfectants as part of precautions against the coronavirus.

Obaidat pointed out that masks are basically used by people infected with the virus, medical staff dealing with them and those who were in contact with suspected cases, but the public uses them as a precaution.