People, stores in the Triangle stockpile face masks--but CDC cautions against hoarding

People and stores in the Triangle have begun stockpiling masks ahead of coronavirus fears. However, the CDC recommends against healthy people rushing stores to get masks--as it could impact people with the greatest need from accessing them.

Posted 9:58 a.m. Feb 28, 2020 — Updated 9:58 a.m. Feb 28, 2020

Kasey Cunningham

RALEIGH, N.C. — With the threat of coronavirus looming, many people here in the Triangle are searching for masks--or even stockpiling extras at home as a precaution.

Local stores like Briggs Hardware in downtown Raleigh have begun ordering shipments of these masks to help serve the public need.

Evelyn Briggs, owner of Briggs Hardware, said she started getting calls and even had people dropping by the store. That’s when she decided she had look for the masks.

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She said masks weren't on her mind until a elderly man came into the store, desperately looking for one. Then, later that day, the calls started coming in.

Briggs just got in a few shipments of the N95 mask, which is recommend for healthcare workers. She has both varieties--without the valve and with the valve.

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She ordered about 500 masks and will sell them at a limited number per person.

“So hopefully that’s enough to start. At least help with all the elderly. Aand a lot of people are concerned about their children. Those are the ones we want to take care of," said Briggs.

The CDC is not recommending the general public needs to wear a mask. Many people have been stocking up as a precaution, but a rush on masks could prevent people who most need the masks--such as people who have symptoms of coronavirus, healthcare workers and those are are caring for people with the virus--from accessing them.

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