Face mask demand rises while price hikes 200 in Manila
After the ‘explosive eruption’ of Taal Volcano, the demand of face masks rises up. It is reported that the price in Manila hikes from its normal price, Php25 to Php30, to Php200.
On Monday morning, Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan warns businesses who are taking advantage of the high demand. “Huwag naman po natin gamitin ang panahon na ito para manamantala. Tandaan po natin, delikado po sa kalusugan nila ito,” she said in a statement.
Netizens React
Different reactions from netizens flood. Some were expressing their concern for business to not take the disaster as a business opportunity. Some, on the other hand, understand the high demand. The Manila office will inspect the stores following the complaints.
https://twitter.com/icepnzln/status/1216534246132613120
the higher the demand the higher the price. https://t.co/14D3nkySBo
— John Dave T. Garcia (@DaveGarcia29) January 13, 2020
Meanwhile, the N95 mask, which is the very efficient mask against airborne particles as per US Food and Drugs Administration, runs out of stock. This morning massive people went to Bambang Street in Manila to purchase the mask. However, the place known for medical supplies and equipment has no longer supplies and only have the ordinary mask.
N95 Mask Alternatives
In social media, there is a lot of suggestion of alternatives for N95 mask. Experts gave advice adding tissue in your ordinary face masks – these will help to reduce the unwanted particles.
Naubos na ang N95 masks sa hospital so what we use is the layered mask tapos dalawang tissue sa loob. Make do with what you have, stay indoors as much as possible.
— Dr. Gia Sison (@giasison) January 13, 2020
The volcanic ash can affect irritation in the eye, nose and throat. It can also lead to severe coughing and difficulties in breathing.
Yesterday, PHIVOLCS (Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology) raised the danger level of the volcano by 4 out of 5 which means “hazardous explosive eruption id possible within hours to days.”
Taal is, in fact, one of the most active volcanoes in the Philippines. It has erupted more than 30 times in past five centuries. It has been 43 years since the last time it erupted, while in 1911 it killed 1,500 people.
