Dubai warns pharmacies against overpriced face masks

  DUBAI – Pharmacies in Dubai have been warned against hiking up the prices of face masks following reports of shortages of the item in the UAE. A growing number of residents and tourists in the country have been seen using face masks in public amid concerns about the spread of coronavirus. On Thursday (January 30), the Dubai Economic Department (DED) issued a warning to pharmacies and medical supply businesses “not to increase masks prices”. The warning came as the DED said it “resolved a business complaint by obligating a pharmacy to supply masks with its original price”. According to reports, some sellers have capitalized on the surge of demand by selling masks for as much as Dh400. Regular prices for N95 masks range from Dh135 to Dh180 per box, while disposable medical masks are sold online from Dh5.20 to Dh30 per box. The DED urged consumers to call toll free number 600 545555 to report businesses that increase the prices of face masks. The UAE on Wednesday confirmed its first case of coronavirus, with the Ministry of Health and Prevention saying that a four-member Chinese family from the Chinese city of Wuhan tested positive for the virus but have been quarantined and are now in stable condition. ICA/Expat Media
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