Colombia temporarily suspended the import tax on face masks and
antiviral Tamiflu to cope with the presence of the AH1N1 virus in the
country, Minister of Commerce, Luis Guillermo Plata said Monday.
According to the Minister, the import tax will be cut for three months initially in agreement with the Social Welfare Ministry.
Colombia also suspended taxes on kits needed for medical personnel who attend to those that are being inspected for the new flu virus.
Plata said the idea is that all Colombians anywhere in the country will be able to buy a mask cheaply and easily.
Colombia says to have 136 suspected cases of the AH1N1 virus. One patient was confirmed to carry the virus Saturday.
