Nottingham-based online pharmacy UK Meds has seen sales of its hygiene face masks surge – as people all over the country bid to protect themselves against the coronavirus outbreak.
Since the first confirmed case of COVID-19 hit Britain in early February, masks have become the fastest selling item on the UK Meds website. In the past month, sales for the product increased by a staggering 8,000% across all ranges and grades.
The online pharmacy has three hygiene masks currently for sale on its website, with prices starting from just £9.99. Guidance from the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends FFP2 or FFP3 masks during outbreaks of infections such as SARS, bird flu and coronavirus.
Joe Soiza, Managing Director at UK Meds, based in Castle Marina, Nottingham, said: “Coronavirus is spreading quickly so, naturally, people are looking to protect themselves in any way they can, with many hoping to get their hands on a medical face mask.
“However, China, where the coronavirus is believed to have started, is the world’s biggest producer of hygiene face masks – leading to a shortage of stock. Thankfully, we have various face masks in stock, which have all been sourced in England, with next day shipping available, and no limit on how many you can buy.”
Established in May 2016, UK Meds operates nationally, selling lifestyle products and prescription-only medicines.
Shyam Morjaria, Superintendent Pharmacist at UK Meds, said: “Although plenty of people are recovering from coronavirus, it can be life-threatening, serious or devastating for high-risk groups.
“As this strain of the virus is so new, health and medical experts are still working to understand it better. However, the general advice is that risk of exposure commences after being within two metres of an infected person for longer than 15 minutes.
“It seems like the reason COVID-19 is spreading so quickly is because it has an incubation period of between two and 14 days. This means a person may not show symptoms until two weeks after becoming infected and, during that time, they could have potentially passed it onto others.
“Some people doubt the effectiveness of wearing face masks, but the WHO has released guidance recommending their use. Face masks can contribute towards protecting yourself against COVID-19 because the virus is spread through infected droplets of saliva or mucus that are released when a person coughs or sneezes. If you’re wearing a face mask, it’s much harder to inhale these infected droplets.
“It’s important to note that face masks do not guarantee 100% protection from viruses though, and you should still follow best hygiene practises, such as hand washing and covering your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing.”
If you show symptoms of coronavirus – such as a cough, fever or difficulty breathing – it’s important you don’t go to a medical facility in person. Call 111, share your travel history and follow the advice given.
For more information on UK Meds or hygiene face masks, please visit ukmeds.co.uk or call 0115 907 0050 to speak to one of the company’s experts.
