Photo/Illutration Signs in Japanese and Chinese at an Osaka drugstore say masks are sold out. A portion of the photo has been modified. (Asahi Shimbun file photo)

The government plans to ban the reselling of surgical face masks online to stop widespread profiteering tied to the outbreak of the new coronavirus.

A penalty is expected on offenders.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced the policy at a task force meeting on the virus on March 5.

A nationwide shortage of masks caused by panic buying has created a lucrative online resale market for them.

Unscrupulous sellers on internet auction and flea market sites have resold masks at astronomical prices, cashing in on people's fear of contracting the coronavirus. 

The ban will be lifted once supplies of face masks return to regular levels.

If disinfectants and sanitary products are also judged to be in seriously short supply, they may be added to the ban.

The ban will be applied based on the law on emergency measures for stabilizing the living conditions of the public.

The government will revise the law enforcement order at a Cabinet meeting on March 10 to put it into force within days.

Officials are expected to decide on the penalty for violating the law by the meeting.

The economy ministry, which supervises internet businesses, urged operators of leading internet auction sites and flea market sites to stop individuals from offering face masks and disinfectants on Feb. 28.

But profiteering has continued, leading the government to decide to ban the practice.