The mask business in Peru: this is how sellers benefited from the pandemic

When the first case of COVID-19 was recorded in Peru, government authorities, which was led by Martín Vizcarra, took swift action to stop infections in the population. Until March 2020, a vaccine that will help the world with this pandemic was distant. Among the restrictions presented was the mandatory use of the mask, to be in public and/or private spaces.

This was accompanied by fines that were imposed on all those who did not respect the mandate issued. During the first few days, pharmacies and pharmacies tried to cover the demand of Peruvians. Some establishments even ordered that a defined amount would be sold per person.

If we refer to economic prices, interest was aroused in acquiring surgical masks, which cost approximately S/0.30 to S/0.50 per unit. For the month of March, prices varied and even quadrupled.

Following the data recorded by El Comercio, important data was collected in March 2020 regarding the price of these items in pharmacies and pharmacies. The N95 respirator went from cost S/6.00 to S/25.00 per unit. On the other hand, the surgical mask is sold in S/2.00 when its regular price was S/ 0.50

What is the current picture? Prices have not been reduced, and by reviewing the sales platforms available in the country, we can find surgical between S/1.50 or S/2.00, while KN95 have an approximate value of S/8.00 to S/10.00 per unit, and boxes of 30 or 50 gears are priced around S/80 soles.

The position of the WHO. One of the recommendations that has been repeated and respected in countries is the use of the mask as a method to prevent contagion. Along with this, hand washing and social distancing.

A BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

A large percentage of men and women were left unemployed, with the most affected being those who performed informal work and who make a profit from the sales they make every day. This is how the ventures began to sell masks, alcohols, gloves and accessories to help maintain proper hygiene in this pandemic.

To date, on social networks we can find groups and users who continue to sell these products at a different price than that offered in commercial establishments.

OPTIONAL USE OF THE MASK

In an official article published in El Peruano, this measure will be applied in Metropolitan Lima and Callao, Lima Provincias, Ica and Áncash. It will be optional in spaces open to the public in regions where the population with the three doses of COVID-19 vaccines exceeds 80%

The head of the Cabinet of Ministers said: “The optional use of masks has been agreed in places open to the public in those regions where 80% or more of people have been vaccinated with the three doses. The use of a mask in places open to the public is optional, whoever wishes does not wear it.”

It is stated that this easing of restrictions is commensurate with the increase in vaccination of the third dose in vulnerable populations in some departments and the decrease in cases of contagion.

New measures will apply in Peru - Use of masks: in which places will it no longer be compulsory

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