MASKS and hand sanitiser sales are picking up again, with demand for the items increasing as people watch COVID-19 developments in both Victoria and Sydney.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Pharmacist at Capital Chemist in Bathurst, Marcus Heiner, said people have been asking about masks, especially in the last week.
While in Melbourne masks are now compulsory when leaving the home, in NSW, wearing a face mask is not required by law at this stage.
Mr Heiner said at the moment, NSW is low risk, but there were situations where wearing a mask could be beneficial in reducing the risk of transmission of COVID-19.
"The advice for people in a high risk group is that even though not compulsory, it is recommended.
"If you had to go to hospital, or be in a dense area, if you are high risk then definitely use a mask."
"Nothing will reduce the risk to zero, but if you're high risk, a mask does reduce the risk.
MAKING NEWS:
"In a normal location, it's okay at the moment, but in dense or poorly ventilated areas, for example on a bus, it could be beneficial."
He said over the last week he had seen the demand for masks increase.
"This time last week, there was nothing, but this week, I've had a number of people ask, people are definitely keen."
For those electing to wear masks, Mr Heiner said the World Health Organisation had some good advice which included washing your hands before touching the mask and make sure it covers your mouth nose and chin.
The mask also has to be adjusted to ensure there are no gaps at the side.
Other advice also includes don't use a ripped mask, don't touch the front of the mask, and do not remove the mask to talk to people or do things that require you to touch the front of the mask.
Do not leave your used mask where someone else might pick it up and use it and only use the mask once.
The World health Organisation also stressed that masks alone cannot protect people from COVID-19. People are reminded to maintain social distancing from other people and wash their hands frequently and thoroughly even when wearing a mask.
While demand for masks and other items is increasing, Mr Heiner said fortunately the store had plenty of stock on hand at the moment.
"We really stocked up.
"At this stage, we have plenty of face masks, hand sanitiser and surface sanitiser wipes available," he said.
After the last COVID spike back in March, Mr Heiner said prices for masks and sanitiser really jumped due to the demand on products but since then have come down, with one litre bottles of hand sanitiser now available at the pharmacy for under $20.
