In China, Citizens Searching for Gas Masks Amid 'Wuhan Pneumonia'... Soaring Mask Prices

Huanqiu.com "Dust Masks, Medical Masks" Sold Out

Dustproof masks sold on the Chinese online shopping mall 'Taobao' / Photo by online shopping mall 'Taobao' screen capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Gayeon] As the novel coronavirus known as 'Wuhan pneumonia' spreads in China, more citizens are seeking masks. It is reported that some citizens are even looking for gas masks that cover the entire face. As mask prices have surged up to 10 times, the Chinese government has launched a strong crackdown.

Recently, a photo of a man covering his entire face with a mask was shared on social media platforms such as Weibo, attracting attention. In the released photo, the man wore a blue mask. It covered his entire face except for two small holes cut out around the eyes to secure visibility.

As of around 10 a.m. on the 23rd, according to Chinese online shopping malls such as Taobao, keywords like 'gas mask' ranked high in search results within the shopping mall.

Earlier on the 22nd, local media including Huanqiu.com reported that dust masks, medical masks, and hand sanitizers were mostly sold out on local online shopping malls including Alibaba. It was also reported that 3M KN95 masks, which can prevent ultrafine dust and pathogens, were sold out.

On the afternoon of the 21st, a police cordon was set up in front of the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China. Photo by Yonhap News

Given this situation, the price of KN95 masks, which was previously 99 yuan per box (approximately 16,703 KRW), has now risen to 400 yuan (about 67,488 KRW). Some retailers are reportedly selling masks at prices raised up to 1,000 yuan (about 168,730 KRW).

In response, Taobao notified all sellers of masks on the 20th to prohibit price increases.

Taobao stated through local media, "Currently, there is sufficient stock of masks on online shopping malls such as Taobao, and we are providing special subsidies so that consumers can purchase good masks at affordable prices."

Meanwhile, the Hubei provincial government, where Wuhan city is located, held a press conference on the 22nd and announced that as of around 10 p.m. local time that day, there were 444 confirmed cases of Wuhan pneumonia in Hubei Province, with 17 deaths. Accordingly, it is estimated that the total confirmed cases of Wuhan pneumonia across China exceed 540.

Wuhan city announced that it will make every effort to prevent the spread of pneumonia by measuring the body temperature of vehicle passengers and sending those with fever to designated hospitals for testing.