Online sellers pushing price of face masks amid coronavirus scare
Those shopping for medical face masks right now will find that many stores and suppliers in the United States are sold out and don't know when more will arrive. What's worse is online profiteers running up the price of masks to play on fears about coronavirus.
Posted — UpdatedThose shopping for medical face masks right now will find that many stores and suppliers in the United States are sold out and don't know when more will arrive. What's worse is online profiteers running up the price of masks to play on fears about coronavirus.
Most large pharmacy and home improvement chains report recent runs on medical masks, both the simple ones that average less than $1 apiece and the better N95 masks which cost a couple of bucks.
Even Amazon reports most masks are sold out or on back order.
But some online sellers are capitalizing on the fear. Even as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says health people do not need to wear masks, the prices online are soaring.
Amazon has already pulled listings it believes are price gouging, but more keep popping up.
Remember these tips from the CDC:
- There is no such thing as a coronavirus-blocking mask.
- Masks work to contain a virus. The sick should wear one to keep from spreading germs.
- Healthy people are better served by washing hands frequently with soap and hot water and avoiding touching eyes, mouths and noses.
Related Topics
• Credits
Copyright 2024 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
