Nghe An: Medical mask prices increase due to developments related to Covid-19 epidemic
(Baonghean.vn) - Although Nghe An has not recorded any Covid-19 infections, the market for masks and disinfectant solutions has seen fluctuations in prices, with medical masks showing signs of shortage.
After positive cases of Covid-19 appeared in Da Nang and Quang Ngai, in Nghe An, the market for masks and disinfectants increased in price, especially in the recent period when many Nghe An people returned from Da Nang.
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| People look to buy antiseptic water and medical masks at a pharmacy in Vinh City on the morning of July 27. Photo: Quang An |
According to the reporter's records, on the afternoon of July 26 and this morning, July 27, at pharmacies in Yen Thanh district, the price of medical masks increased.
A large pharmacy owner in Hoa Thanh commune (Yen Thanh) said that on July 26, the price of high-quality 4-layer medical masks increased from 40,000 to 50,000 VND/box (50 pieces/box). A slight increase compared to the time before the Covid-19 infection appeared in the community. That is also the common price of many pharmacies in Yen Thanh district at present.
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| The main types of medical masks sold on the market today range from 50,000 - 70,000 VND/box. Photo: Xuan Hoang |
In Vinh City, according to a survey on the morning of July 27, the price of medical masks ranges from 50,000 - 70,000 VND/box, an increase of 10,000 - 30,000 VND/box depending on the location of sale. In addition, the price of hand sanitizers and disinfectants has also increased by 10 - 20% compared to the time before the epidemic re-emerged in the community.
When asked about the increase in mask prices in the past few days, most pharmacy owners said: "The import price for each box of medical masks is already from 30,000 - 40,000 VND/box, only when buying in large quantities will the price be a little cheaper, so the selling price from 50,000 - 70,000 VND/box is normal..."
Although the price of masks has fluctuated, according to the reporter's investigation, in Vinh City market as well as in the districts, there has not been a phenomenon of people rushing and jostling to buy masks like in the previous epidemic.
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| The row of drug stores in Vinh City was deserted on the morning of July 27, without the phenomenon of crowding and rushing to buy masks like before. Photo: Quang An |
According to pharmacy owners, currently the supply of masks is scarce, importing goods is very difficult, so in reality, many people still come to ask to buy masks, but there are no more to sell.
On the other hand, people are now using a lot of cloth masks, so the search for and hunting for medical masks is no longer bustling. As for hand sanitizers, there is still a lot of supply for the market.
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| Market Management Team No. 3, Nghe An Market Management Department inspects pharmacies on the sale of masks and epidemic prevention equipment to the market. Photo: Quang An |
Through discussion, Mr. Nguyen Van Huong - Deputy Head of the Market Management Department said: "Although Nghe An has not recorded any cases of Covid-19 infection, the work of ensuring the market and supply of disease prevention equipment is still being implemented. Currently, we have directed the Market Management Teams in the province to strengthen inspection and control. If any stalls or pharmacies are found to be speculating in hoarding goods or increasing the price of masks for profit, we will resolutely make a record and handle it according to regulations".