Coronavirus: mask distributors on the streets of Warsaw

Text by: RFI Follow

Since Thursday April 16, the Poles must obligatorily wear a mask or a scarf when they leave their house, in order to limit the spread of the virus. Recently, automatic mask dispensers have appeared on the streets of major cities. Like in Warsaw.

Publicity

With our correspondent in Warsaw, Thomas Giraudeau

The distributor attracts all eyes on this small market. We stop, amazed. Here, no sodas or sweets, but gloves, hydroalcoholic gels and masks. A good idea for Neil, a Frenchman who lives in the neighborhood, especially when wearing a mask is compulsory under penalty of a fine. “  It also avoids queues in front of pharmacies. And then the prices are affordable,  ”he says.

The professional mask, for single use, still costs two euros. Expensive, but it's the price in the middle of an epidemic. Magdalena could no longer find them in pharmacies, she finally found the rare pearl at the distributor. “  I made a mask, but I couldn't breathe well with it. So, I was just protecting myself with this scarf. There, I am very happy! I finally have one, he is professional, certified. I'm going to wear it.  "

At the origin of these machines, Aleksander Wacik. With the closing of schools and universities, the market for vending machines is almost at a standstill. 
So we have to find other outlets. "  The goal is to make money on products that people need today," he explains bluntly. But beware, the masks we distribute are medical. For hospitals or busy places. If people are not in contact with many people, they may wear a less protective mask.  "

The concept works well. Aleskander Wacik has installed around 40 machines in Poland over the past 15 days.

Listen to the report: a mask distributor in Warsaw

Thomas Giraudeau

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