Dismay in France as millions of masks on sale from supermarkets when healthcare professionals faced shortage
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French supermarkets have come under intense spotlight after they announced millions of masks on sale to protect against Covid-19. Nothing strange so far, one would think: yes, this news came as a surprise following weeks of shortages and rationing.
On 4th May, as the country eased lockdown restrictions, these masks went on sale around French’s major supermarket chain. Many health professionals have expressed their indignity at this news, after quite a number among them failed to secure the availability of such marks. To add insult to injury, these supermarkets are selling surgical masks rather than traditional common use masks.
Government is defended the supermarkets against accusations of stockpiling.
Supermarkets, with the support of the government, are defending themselves against accusations that they have been stockpiling them. Seven associations representing health professionals said in an open letter that they were dismayed that supermarkets had thousands of masks for sale when there was a “shortage” for health professionals.
“How is it possible that our carers have not been able to be equipped with masks when we are announcing with great fanfare the staggering figures of masks on sale to the public?” they quipped.
While the price of single-use masks may not exceed €0.95 per unit under the ceiling set by the government, the price of masks for the general public is not regulated because of the diversity of models.
