Amid COVID-19 fears, Gurugram runs out of masks

Sumedha Sharma
Tribune News Service
Gurugram, February 24

Gurugram is yet to report any suspected coronavirus (COVID-19) case, but a scare seems to have gripped its residents, with the city running out of N95 and N99 masks.

With these single use masks declared as the best precaution on the internet, local MNCs have lifted all available stocks from chemists for their employees flying into or out of the country. This has hit availability of masks, already affected with imports from China and Europe stalled and exports by local producers.

“The masks are for single use. Those with changeable filters can be used thrice. Local MNCs have picked all stocks available as their employees frequently visit airports. China is a key exporter, but supply has been stalled for two months. We have been getting some European brands, preferred by foreign nationals, but even that has stopped,” said an office-bearer of the chemists’ association.

Sources claimed that various chemists near the city’s posh hospitals were maintaining limited stocks and selling masks available at thrice the price.

“The three-layered surgical mask is enough precaution against coronavirus and other viruses of similar size. Surgical masks are not only affordable, but easily available and effective precaution as well. We have no threat of this virus so far and people need not panic,” said Dr Manoj Goel, director and head, department of pulmonology at Fortis Memorial Research Institute.