Taipei launches ID-based mask vending machines

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taipei rolled out ID-based mask vending machines on Saturday (April 11) in a bid to reduce the hassle of purchasing the much sought-after protective gear amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

A collaboration between the city government’s technical task force, industry players, and the National Health Insurance Administration (NHIA), the machines allow people to buy surgical masks via multiple payment options using their NHI cards for ID verification.
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Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je (柯文哲), who tried the new service personally, said it took only 30 seconds to complete the purchase. He touted the invention as easy, reliable, and time-saving for the majority of office workers, who do not have the luxury of queuing up for masks at pharmacies, and seniors, who find it challenging to access the cellphone app-based mask rationing system, wrote UDN.

Read more: Taiwan News