Dr.Dinesh
Department of Consumer affairs should fix common maximum price for masks. Generally before the outbreak of COVID-19, the masks were costing Rs2.50 to Rs3/- for a single two layered or three layered surgical masks. Now the demand and supply is more, some shops, street vendors had started selling at an exorbitant rates, though mask is not mandatory for a healthy person or for old aged people with asthma or with breathing difficulties.
People with breathing difficulties should avoid wearing masks. Wear a mask if you are coughing or sneezing. Mask should be discarded every 24 hours or before that when it gets damp or if it gets dirty and properly disposed off. People should refrain from buying masks from street vendors as it could be a used one or contaminated one, so always go for a branded or sterilized one.
If mask is not available, do not panic even clean handkerchief is also the best option. No shops or street vendor should sell the mask above the common maximum price that is Rs10/- per mask( as done in Chandigrah by the UT advisor). Legal metrology department should keep a watch on this and the administration should come out and fix the common maximum price for a two layered or three layered surgical mask after a meeting with pharmacy shop distributers or retailers. Only five masks should be given per person that too if it is absolutely necessary. This is not the time to make money when there is a global pandemic.
N95 masks are not at all needed for general public as it is mainly for Doctors and paramedics who deals with patients directly, duplicate N95 masks are in the market one has to check for the authenticity.
Government had already fixed the cost of Hand Sanitizers for 200ml@Rs100/- at any given point of time. Hand sanitizers are not available in the local market as per demand, so one can use soap and water to wash hands and do not touch face often. This basic etiquette will keep the virus away. Stay at home, hydrated, and stay safe. Do not spread rumors, try to verify fake messages in what’s app or social media and avoid forwarding to others, since most of them sitting at home during Janata curfew are glued to social media. Check the WHO website or government website for update /advisories. Now even WHO is also there on what’s app, so every FAQ’s are answered promptly by clicking the appropriate emoji or number.
