Worldwide demand for face masks in coronavirus outbreak creating shortfall for those in real need
Unprecedented global demand for face masks and other protective equipment fuelled by the coronavirus epidemic, has created potentially dangerous shortages for those who need them most, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced.
At a news conference in Geneva, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urged against stockpiling to ensure that healthworkers and those infected with the virus could still obtain them.
He said that he had decided to speak to manufacturers of personal protective equipment – PPE for short – to ensure that medical staff in particular received surgical masks.
"WHO is sending testing kits, masks, gloves, respirators & gowns to countries in every region. However, the 🌍 is facing severe disruption in the market for personal protective equipment. Demand is up to 100x higher than normal & prices are up to 20x higher"-@DrTedros #2019nCoV
— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) February 7, 2020
“Demand is up to 100 times higher than normal and prices are up to 20 times higher. This situation has been exacerbated by widespread and inappropriate use of PPE outside patient care. As a result, there are now depleted stockpiles and backlogs of four to six months. Global stocks of masks and respirators are now insufficient to meet the needs of WHO and our partners.”
Hong Kong, on Friday, imposed a mandatory two-week quarantine period for anyone arriving from mainland China, according to news reports. The island has seen 26 confirmed cases of the virus, and one person has died there.
