The sale of hygiene facemask has seen a sudden rise in the capital amid fear of the new deadly coronavirus, which originated in China and is spreading fast to other parts of the world.
From roadside vendors to medical store salespersons, all said that in last three days the sale increased almost three times and the wholesalers were out of stock in some cases.
They also said the price of different types of facemask also increased by Tk10-20 based on the quality of the products.
“The sale increased at least three times in the last two days. In other days we used to sell about 5-6 pieces but in last two days the average sale rose to 15-20 pieces per day,” Abul Hasnat, a shopkeeper of Hasib Pharmacy in Maghbazar area, said.
He said there were different types of facemask and the price ranged from Tk5 to Tk120 based on quality.
“The fear of coronavirus seems to be the reason for the increased sales," he added.
Another shopkeeper, Johirul, in the capital’s Pnathapath area’s Lazib Pharma said their sale also increased in last two days.
“We have ordered our wholesaler for more facemasks but they are also out of stock. The price also increased in the wholesale market. The facemask we used to buy at Tk25 per piece and sold at Tk30 is now wholesaled at Tk35 and retailed at Tk40,” he said.
Labib Ahmed, a Stamford University student, said he was looking for facemask in his locality but could not find one.
“Then I was advised to look into the medical stores and I got one. I bought the facemask as a prevention from the coronavirus as it was suggested by the medical experts,” he said.
The outbreak of the virus was in last month in central Chinese city, which has already spread to more than 10 countries.
Tension was mounting around the world with China confirming 106 deaths from the virus and 4,580 cases of infection reported globally since the outbreak.
There is no vaccine or specific treatment for this virus, yet.