Retailers mark one week of no new face mask deliveries amid nCoV threat

Retailers of medical supplies in Bambang, Manila said it has been a week since they last received a fresh supply of surgical face masks amid fears over the 2019 novel coronavirus outbreak.

According to a report on Balitanghali by GMA News' Mark Salazar on Monday, almost all medical supply stores in Bambang have a “Face mask not available” sign plastered across their windows.

The retailers said their suppliers had not yet made commitments to them regarding a final date for new deliveries.

The last batch of deliveries that they received was before January 27, with stocks running out in just seven days.

Retailers said their stocks were depleted quickly because many buyers purchased masks by the boxes.

Due to this, they will no longer be selling masks wholesale to ration their supply.

The retailers said they will only allow individual buyers to purchase a maximum of five packages with three masks each, while companies who will purchase masks for distribution to their employees must present a letter.

Meanwhile, the demand for alcohol has also been rising, but retailers assured the public that it is unlikely that it will run out since the product is locally made. — Julia Mari Ornedo/RSJ, GMA News