Influenza and COVID-19 pandemic have caused mask supply issues in Miranda

In Miranda, where influenza A and COVID-19 were hit hard, demand for masks surged after the Christmas holidays. Yesterday, nearly everyone who visited the Miranda Este Health Center covered their mouths and noses, although masks are only required when showing symptoms. Those who do not have a mask can pick one up at the reception desk. “We are already talking about triviruses,” said director Beatriz Puente Solana, who, like many other experts, adds syncytial viruses to influenza and coronaviruses. The number of infections is so high that health centers are on the verge of collapse due to the number of patients they care for every day, many of whom end up developing respiratory complications such as pneumonia, “not only the elderly but also the young,” Puente Solana noted .

In pharmacies, which are currently exempt from mandatory mask requirements although recommended for indoor use, they are starting to experience supply issues. Currently, it can be found in almost every store in the city, although sales have surged in recent days. “You can sell as much in one morning as you did a month ago,” said Raúl Losa. Yesterday, in just a few hours, 110 masks were distributed, almost as many as in all of December. It was flat and more than double November’s level.

“We’re not at the level of the coronavirus pandemic yet, but most suppliers don’t have the ability to fulfill orders immediately. Normally they’ll tell you they’ll bring you in in a week or two because they’re waiting to receive it More material,” Lothar said.

This situation is repeated in testing. “We still have the virus, but in very small doses,” said the pharmacist, who knew social alarm had been triggered when he saw the infection numbers. “If there is no mental illness, you feel people care. There is more responsibility because some people are asymptomatic but are with their families and don’t want to take risks,” he explained.

This surge has put unsuspecting pharmacists and suppliers in a difficult position. The sale of masks has become a symbol of how suddenly there is not enough supply to feed a market that has doubled in just a few days. «Until recently you could even choose the color of the mask; “Now we sell you the available models,” they noted from another pharmacy in the city. The pharmacy admitted that it still had available models, but was struggling to get the required and Problems are already starting to arise with plans to sell boxes of masks in the coming weeks.