Face Mask Sales Rise in Pakistan After 2 Coronavirus Cases Confirmed in Country

Prices rose for face masks in Quetta, located in southwest Pakistan’s Balochistan province, on February 27, shortly after the country closed schools in the region following the announcement of its first two cases of the new coronavirus.

This footage, filmed by Radio Free Europe, shows scenes in Quetta, where a typical box of face masks that previously cost 100 rupees (about 65 cents US) were seen going for 1,200 rupees (about US$8), Samaa reported.

The two infected persons in Pakistan had a history of traveling to Iran, according to Radio Free Europe. Iran has seen 26 deaths from the coronavirus, and flights between Iran and Pakistan were suspended indefinitely on the evening of February 27, according to reports.

Pakistan closed its border with Iran on Sunday, February 23, media reported. Credit: Radio Free Europe via Storyful