Workers count masks at Shanghai Yuanqin Purification Technology Co., Ltd. in Shanghai, east China, on Jan. 26, 2020. Workers at the company have been working extra hours to make masks, which will be used to combat the novel coronavirus outbreak. (Xinhua/Ding Ting)

Shanghai customs said that 68 batches of imported materials worth more than 52 million yuan (about 7.5 million U.S. dollars) had been cleared. Materials donated to combat the virus will enjoy tax reductions or exemptions.

SHANGHAI, Feb. 1 (Xinhua) -- Shanghai customs provided fast-track clearance for 1,269 medical devices related to the fight against the novel coronavirus from Jan. 25 to 30.

The customs said Friday that 68 batches of imported materials worth more than 52 million yuan (about 7.5 million U.S. dollars) had been cleared, including over 1.7 million masks and 1,685 virus detection reagent kits.

The customs took various measures including special service windows to accelerate the clearing process and ensure "zero delay" for medicines, disinfectant products, protective equipment and medical devices.

The second batch of medical workers pose for a group photo before their departure to Wuhan of Hubei Province, at Hongqiao International Airport in east China's Shanghai on Jan. 28, 2020. (Xinhua/Wang Xiang)

Materials donated to combat the virus will enjoy tax reductions or exemptions at the customs.

The customs also enhanced its efforts on prevention and control of the epidemic, with nearly 700 staff members carrying out quarantine inspections at airports, railway stations and cruise terminals. ■