Mask call stirs ‘panic’

Geraldton pharmacists are reporting a mixed response after Premier Mark McGowan called on people to buy face masks as a precaution for the possible spread of a mutant COVID-19 strain. “This is a whole new beast and we must take action to prevent this deadly virus from spreading,” Mr McGowan said on Friday. Geraldton Chemist Warehouse pharmacist Mohamed Al Komy said the Premier’s call had prompted a surge in sales. “About every second person asks about face masks,” he said. “I have not heard the Premier, but whatever he said made people start to panic a bit. “Everyone is worried about this new mutant strain.” Pharmacy 194 pharmacist in charge Janet Wann said masks were selling “steadily”. “We are having inquiries about masks but we are not selling a huge amount,” she said. “There is not a huge rush like there was last time, but they are available from wholesalers now. “There is no shortage — they are freely available.” Pharmacy 777 pharmacist-owner Joseph Lim said there had been no sudden surge in demand, but people had been buying more masks over the past two weeks. An Australian Government Health department spokesperson says wearing a mask in the community when you were well was not generally recommended where there was low community transmission of COVID-19. “However, where there is significant community transmission — as determined by jurisdictional public health authorities — you may choose, or be required to, wear a mask,” they said. National Cabinet last week also made it compulsory to wear a mask on flights and at all domestic airports for everyone over the age of 12.