Covid-19: More Malaysians opting for double masking, better masks to keep virus away

KUALA LUMPUR (June 3): With more Malaysians getting on board the call for wearing two masks to get better protection against Covid-19, many pharmacies are experiencing a surge in demand.

Big Pharmacy store manager Ryan Tey told The Star that “our face mask sales have doubled and fabric masks are currently out of stock”.

A representative of another pharmacy chain told the daily that demand for face masks had gone up over the last few days.

“Sales of fabric masks and N95 and KN95 masks have doubled from the week before.

“There was also an increase in demand for disposable masks, and sales have increased by 20%,” she said, adding that sales of face shields had also doubled.

The Ministry of Health has announced last month that the wearing of a fabric mask on top of a three-ply surgical mask significantly protects against infection from the coronavirus.

Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah also later clarified that even though the wearing of double face masks in public spaces is encouraged, it is still not mandatory.

Meanwhile, the N95 and KN95 are the top quality masks against Covid-19 and do not need to be doubly worn. The N95 has been described as the “gold standard”.

Alpro Pharmacy branding, promotion and trade marketing director Lee Yin Chen also “observed a surge in demand for face masks”, reported The Star.

“We have seen sales increase by three to four times ever since the Health director-general spoke about double masking.

“The demand is especially high for disposable surgical masks and KN95 masks.

“A lot of customers come looking for fabric masks too,” he added.

Lee also revealed to the daily that sales of other “Covid-19-related products” had also increased.

“Many people are buying Vitamin C pills to boost their immunity and stock is running out.

“Oximeters are also very popular right now. While they do not provide a conclusive diagnosis for Covid-19, they may help alert a person if their oxygen level is below the accepted level,” he added.

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