Masks vanish from markets as coronavirus fears rise

Medical mask prices have shot up a day after the top health officials confirmed the first two coronavirus cases in Pakistan.

Normal quality mask price surged by Rs400 per box (from Rs80 to Rs480) but ran out of stock while 3M masks are available at Rs1,700 instead of Rs300 and N-95 is being sold at Rs1,000 per box.

Medics, as well as masses, made an appeal to the government for punitive ‘treatment of such criminals’. People also took to social media to get such a serious issue resolved.

Don’t panic

Doctors advised people to stay calm and avoid going out unnecessarily.

Lahore-based Jinnah Hospital former medical superintendent Dr Iftikhar urged people to take flu-like symptoms seriously.  “Visit your doctor at the earliest. Don’t sneeze amongst a gathering and never share your towel.” 

Another expert, Dr Nasir, said people should be guided on how to use a mask.