Amid the report of first coronavirus case in Pakistan, the prices of mask have skyrocketed in the federal capital, it was learnt here on Thursday.
The rise in demand for masks have lead to its prices getting increases, as mask that was being sold at seven rupees is now selling for ten to twenty rupees. Whereas, the N-95 mask is being sold at Rs400 to Rs500 instead of 60 rupees.
The development comes after Pakistan also become a victim of coronavirus as two cases of the deadly virus were confirmed on Wednesday.
The Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Health Dr Zafar Mirza, through a message on the social media, confirmed the two coronavirus cases in the country. However, he said the situation was under control and people should not be worried about these cases.
“Both cases are being taken care of according to clinical standard protocol and both of them [patients] are stable. No need to panic, things are under control. I will hold a press conference today on return from Taftan,” he said in his message on the social media.
Meanwhile, citizens are also taking precautionary measures to combat the epidemic, and a mask is very effective tool to prevent the virus.
Medical store owners say that only one mask is being sold to one person, as supply is off for a week, the traders were off the opinion that prices will come down as new stocks arrive. One shopkeeper informed that mask was being imported from China, the supply shut down from China has lead to the product shortage in the market.
The deadly virus originated in China some three weeks ago and has killed over 2,000 people. The virus also spread to many other countries, including Iran, Italy, Brazil and Spain.