The shortage of masks will undoubtedly remain one of the most striking facts of this health crisis. By a strange irony of history, the richest countries of the planet found themselves confronted with a shortage of basic equipment (masks, gloves, overcoats, overshoes ...), taken by surprise by the speed of propagation of the virus . Thousands of caregivers and paramedics had to hunt for masks and use the D system - recovery, donations ... - to be able to continue to go to the front.
The state was forced to requisition national production and then place orders, often at high prices, to replenish stocks. China, to which France had sent masks in January, quickly found itself in a position of strength, following the reopening of its factories. And for good reason. Before the crisis, China and Taiwan accounted for 70% of global mask production.
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