Availability Of Face Masks ?

[Carl]

Just wondering whether people are finding them easily accessible, particularly those that should be being provided free for those over 65.

I know someone who has tried to obtain the free masks twice from the same pharmacy on the Orihuela Costa over the past 2 weeks, only to be told on both occassions that they didn't have any, but they were told they could be buy masks - choice of 2 types, a reusable washable white mask at €3.95 or the blue/white sided surgical mask (I think you are suppose to replace regularly ?) at €0.96.

[Graham Knight]

Every time I've been to the Chemist, for my 3 x free face masks ( over 65 ).

They haven't any left .
Mercadona are selling 10 for €6.00.
Plenty in stock. At least there is at San Luis store.

[sueh21]

Plenty available in our Pharmacy in Via Park 3, Los Altos.........................

[jimny1]

I was disgusted when watching itv this morning where they were showing "designer" masks being sold in ther UK by different companies ranging from £10 up to £60 each, some even more, ie louis vuitton selling one for over 200 pounds, with jazzy designs and even worn by models in matching outfits
I think the cheapest they showed was £3.95 for a basic white one
To me this is sick, making profit out of death , just like companies like marks and spencer selling a 500 ml sanitiser for £16
But then you have to pity the idiots buying them for the sake of fashion , it shows how shallow people can be

[Carl]

Thank you GK and sueh21 for your responses.

The problem is jimny1 there will always be a business or individual who will be ready to exploit a situation like this to make money and as long as people are prepared to pay the prices they are asking they will keep going, but it doesn't always work out as this article proves:

https://www.ladbible.com/news/news-auss ... r-20200414

I would imagine ITV This Morning were probably paid to promote the "designer" masks, so they have profited as well from the situation. Like all designer branded items, the money is in the brand name as opposed to the design of/or material used in a product.

[jimny1]

Its the world we live in now admin, thank god we have heroes like captain tom to look up to , a totally unselfish individual who instead of profiteering generated millions for the NHS, the effort it took him to walk that distance must have been the equivalent to climbing mount everest
I said he should be knighted from day one and read the other day he will be , at last a knighthood that is truly deserved

[Sheff_Blade]

I was disgusted when watching itv this morning where they were showing "designer" masks being sold in ther UK by different companies ranging from £10 up to £60 each, some even more, ie louis vuitton selling one for over 200 pounds, with jazzy designs and even worn by models in matching outfits
I think the cheapest they showed was £3.95 for a basic white one
To me this is sick, making profit out of death , just like companies like marks and spencer selling a 500 ml sanitiser for £16
But then you have to pity the idiots buying them for the sake of fashion , it shows how shallow people can be

Sorry but I completely disagree. These facemasks are going to become an everyday item, like putting on a shirt, or a hat. Personally I'm not convinced they're necessary or even a good idea, but if people feel safer, or governments insist, then so be it. You my not want to pay more than two bob for a mask, and I certainly wouldn't, but if some people are prepared to pay a bit more for a more attractive mask (in their eyes) then why not. It's called the spirit of free enterprise.

[jimny1]

Sheff, some of these masks offer no better protection wise than the cheapest , so its just vanity prevailing here
If thats your opinion , then fine, i respect that, but my opinion is people are total idiots to pay 60 plus for a mask that offers possibly less protection than one from carrefour for example
Theres a time and a place for fashion, i just dont think its now while people are sick and dying around us, and companies will always put profits first, i know
To me this is something like a a comedy sketch parody , what next, teashirts with " I had coronavirus but survived", wait, thats just given me an idea

[Sheff_Blade]

Of course it's vanity, don't you ever pay a couple of quid more for a shirt or pair of shoes you like instead of something you don't? I think all masks are probably a waste of money as scientists are not convinced of any value to the wearer. I certainly don't think there's anything wrong if people want to buy a mask they like, it's their freedom of choice.

[jimny1]

Sheff
You cannot compare the vanity buying normal clothing to the vanity when stating "Hey look at my death mask , its designer you know, i paid a lot of money for this " to me it degrades the situation
Maybe i am being oversensitive in not joining the "whatever" brigade , i must be old school, and as you say everyone is free to choose to do what they want and thats why i will just be wearing the compulsory "boring" washable freebies i got from the town hall
I suppose i can always draw some teeth and a smile on one, and a pulled tongue on the other to make lighter of the situation
You are right though about scientists stating standard masks are a waste of money , i read that myself, only surgery/medical grade masks offer some protection, and that is only for protecting others from the wearer spreading the virus