Face mask supplies run out across in Asia due to virus panic

A woman with a face mask wearing a cheongsam ahead of the Chinese Lunar New Year in a train in Bangkok on Friday (Jan 24) after four people were detected with the Coronavirus in Thailand. - Reuters

HONG KONG: Face masks and hand sanitisers are becoming must-have accessories from Hong Kong to Japan as a deadly virus spreads across Asia. The only problem is getting hold of them.

Pharmacies across Hong Kong sold out of masks aimed at preventing viral infection, prompting authorities to say more will arrive next week.

Taiwan banned the export of masks for the next month to ensure sufficient domestic supply.

In Macau, authorities said sales would be restricted to a maximum of 10 face masks to residents or authorized guest workers who can present a valid ID card.