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

Pedestrians wearing masks make their way at a shopping district in Tokyo. Demand for face masks and hand sanitizing liquid has soared, as both local residents and visitors in many Asian countries are stocking up on such products as a reassuring precaution. - Reuters

TOKYO: Panic and pollution drive the market for protective face masks, so business is booming in Asia, where fear of the virus from China is straining supplies and helping make mask-wearing the new normal.

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.