Coronavirus: Pharmacies in Delhi stop selling N95 masks due to rise in price

Certain pharmacies in national capital have stopped selling N95 face masks, alleging that wholesale dealers have increased prices since re has been a surge in demand in markets due to Coronavirus pandemic.

"We have stopped selling N95 masks as wholesale suppliers are selling it to us at high prices. And if we ask customers to pay increased price, y fight with us thinking that it is we who are increasing prices," said a pharmacist in Connaught Place.

One of customers, Jitendra Singh who wished to buy N95 mask said that se masks are t available in market, and certain chemists are selling it at higher prices.

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Delhi Govt forms teams to crack down hoarders

As national capital runs short of protective masks and hand sanitizers, Delhi government on Saturday formed teams to take action against suppliers who are overcharging for masks and sanitizers and those hoarding se items at a time when Coronavirus crisis is deepening, Delhi Health Minister Satyendra Jain said. Minister also emphasized that t all people need to wear N95 masks.

"N95 masks should only be used by healthcare workers or those who are displaying symptoms, t healthy people. We have also constituted teams to take action against hoarding and overcharging for masks and sanitizers," Satyendra Jain told news ncy ANI.

He ded that Delhi government has alrey issued an visory to citizens regarding precautionary measures against COVID-19. A total of 518 isolation beds have been set up in 25 hospitals.

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Coronavirus declared 'Epidemic' in Delhi

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday, March 12 stated that Delhi Government is all prepared to tackle situation. Declaring Coronavirus as an epidemic in Delhi, CM Kejriwal also anunced shutting all atres and schools/colleges till March 31.

"We are declaring Coronavirus as an epidemic in Delhi. All cinema halls to remain shut in Delhi till March 31. Schools and colleges where exams are t being held will also remain closed. We are also making it compulsory for public places like government offices and private offices to disinfect ir premises every day," Kejriwal said. 

total number of positive COVID-19 cases in India has risen to 84 with two fatalities reported as of Friday, Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said. 

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(With inputs from ncies)