GEORGE TOWN: The ongoing haze and concern over the spread of Covid-19 have led to an increase in demand for face masks and test kits at pharmacies here.
Penang Malaysian Pharmaceutical Association chairman Gina Koay said over the past two weeks, the demand for both items has seen a gradual increase.
“We recorded between 10% and 20% increases in sales for test kits, as they’re now considered affordable and more people are concerned about being infected by Covid-19.
“Saliva test kits cost only between RM3 and RM5 per set, but we recommend those with nasal swabs that cost RM8 per set for better accuracy,” she said yesterday.
As for face masks, Koay said while children and students continue to purchase them as usual for schooling purposes, there is a slight increase in demand from the adult segment due to the concern of Covid-19 and the ongoing haze situation.
“Face masks have always been in demand, as many people have made it a habit to wear them in crowded places.
“These face masks do not just protect against Covid-19 but also help filter particles brought by the haze,” she said.
Apart from ensuring that face masks bought are properly certified, Koay said customers should also pay attention to their materials to ensure they do not cause allergies or discomfort.
“As face masks are worn over prolonged duration, they may cause discomfort or even allergy due to the materials being used.
“We have creams to treat acne caused by face masks, but prevention is always better than cure. Many people are still wearing face masks to prevent being infected by Covid-19,” she said.
Fortunately, Koay said none of the pharmacies in Penang have reported any sudden surge in demand or supply disruption.
On Monday, Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa said a total of 12 cases involving the Covid-19 XBB.1.16 (Arcturus) subvariant have been detected in the country.
She said as of April 2, the subvariant had been detected in 31 countries, including Malaysia.
“Six cases were detected in Sarawak, four in Selangor, and two in Kuala Lumpur.
“The global risk assessment report states the risk of infections and ongoing cases because of subvariant XBB1.16 is lower than XBB.1.5,” she said in a statement.
The XBB.1.16 subvariant was first detected in the country in March, but Dr Zaliha said the situation was under control and the nation’s health facilities were not under any pressure.
Arcturus was classified as a variant of interest (VOI) on April 17 by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Meanwhile, it was reported that the number of new Covid-19 infections decreased last week to 4,817 cases from 5,149 the week before.
To date, a cumulative 18,319 cases involved variants of concern (VOC) and VOI.
The Omicron subvariant remains the most dominant in terms of infections.
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