Coronavirus: Stores In New Delhi Are Hiking Prices Of Face Masks

Coronavirus has already spread to other parts of the globe. The virus transmits from human to human. So the one way one can protect themselves is to cover their mouth and nose. People who have flu-like symptoms like coughing and sneezing are asked to wear masks. For precautions, normal people are also advised to put on face masks when visiting public places like airports and hospitals.

This has led to a crisis for medical stores around New Delhi as these stores got their supplies for face masks from China. However, supplies stopped due to the outbreak of Coronavirus, leading to pharmacies turning to local vendors.

In the country’s capital, the surgical face masks that were previously priced at Rs 10 are now Rs 40. People mostly look for N95 masks as they have more layers for better protection. Moreover, they can also be reused. The price for one N95 mask used to be Rs 150. But now, it is sold at Rs 500 per piece.

Justifying the increased prices of face masks, one shopkeeper said that he also had to pay the suppliers more money to buy these masks.

Online e-commerce sites have said that the demand for safety goggles, hand sanitizers, and respiratory masks has increased 10 times.

The shortage of face masks is so serious that it is even difficult for hospital staff to source them. At Safdarjung Hospital which is treating Covid-19 cases have asked for face masks for its staff.

The spread of Coronavirus has also affected the drug market. India which is known to be one of the world’s largest markets for generic drugs has already restricted its export. However, the country’s pharma companies are relying on China.

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