Asian demand for face masks soars on fears of coronavirus and pollution

Demand for face masks and hand sanitizing liquid has soared, as both local residents and visitors from China stock up on such products as a reassuring precaution.

The outbreak began before the Chinese Lunar New Year, when tens of thousands of Chinese tourists visit Thailand, Japan and other parts of Asia. Demand has risen by 80% starting with this past weekend's Chinese New Year, said Varumporn. Christine Yuuki, a 25-year-old tourist from Hefei, west of Nanjing, was shopping in Tokyo for masks for friends and family back in China.

Stocks of masks ran out quickly at outlets of South Korea's biggest 24-hour convenience store, CU, at airports, bus terminals and other transportation hubs. Authorities have announced seven confirmed cases of the virus on the island, which nonetheless has imposed a month-long ban on exports of two types of surgical masks to ensure the availability of domestic supplies.

Source: News Formal (newsformal.com)

Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

China coronavirus: thousands left Wuhan for Hong Kong, Bangkok, Singapore or Tokyo before lockdownBut more travelled only as far as neighbouring Henan provinceOver 4,000 people from Wuhan remain outside mainland China, as authorities call for help to accommodate them on their return
Source: staronline - 🏆 4. / 75 Read more »

Ahead of Olympics, Tokyo prepares foreigners for potential disastersClear instructions in English, what to do in case of an earthquake or tsunami are among chief concerns. FMTNews Key word.. the level in the state of preparedness..
Source: fmtoday - 🏆 5. / 72 Read more »

Tokyo stocks slide on virus fears | The Malaysian InsightGlobal concern because of Wuhan flu’s similarity to SARS, which killed hundreds across in 2002-2003.
Source: msianinsight - 🏆 8. / 63 Read more »

Asian stocks fall as virus fears spook markets, hit tourismBANGKOK: Shares tumbled on Monday (Jan 27) in the few Asian markets open as China announced sharp increases in the number of people affected in an outbreak of a potentially deadly virus.
Source: staronline - 🏆 4. / 75 Read more »

Shops in Perlis running out of face masksCORONAVIRUS | This after the Health Ministry issued an advisory to use face masks and hand sanitisers.
Source: malaysiakini - 🏆 20. / 51 Read more »

Supply of face masks being monitored, says SaifuddinPUTRAJAYA: Authorities are monitoring the supply of face masks following a surge in demand in the wake of the novel coronavirus outbreak.
Source: staronline - 🏆 4. / 75 Read more »