It's D-Day: surgical masks, reserved since the beginning of the coronavirus epidemic for caregivers, are on sale from Saturday in pharmacies. From Monday, they will be available in supermarkets and on the shelves, they will join the famous alternative masks for the general public, made of fabric. But how much will they cost? And which ones to prefer?
>> LIVE - Coronavirus: follow the evolution of the situation on Saturday May 2
The surgical mask will cost a maximum of 95 cents, the ceiling set by the state. The majority of pharmacies will sell it at this price. For a family of four, knowing that it must be changed every four hours, wearing these surgical marks would therefore cost almost 12 euros per day.
The mask, "not a luxury item"
This is the reason why we must prefer masks for the general public, made of fabric, emphasize pharmacists. These masks will cost an average of five euros, in pharmacies as in supermarkets, but will be washable several dozen times depending on the model. The family of four would get away with it for the equivalent of two euros a day. "The mask must not become an object of luxury," said Gilles Bonnefond, president of the Union of pharmacist unions.
CORONAVIRUS ESSENTIALS
> Partial unemployment: the parents' situation clarified
> A new inflammatory disease affecting children linked to the coronavirus?
> What will shopping be like after May 11?
> The French will have to go on vacation near their home
> Why going to the hairdresser will cost more after confinement
"The alternative mask must become the rule, but not the surgical mask", continues Gilles Bonnefond. Although it is true that surgical masks are lighter and more comfortable. But the important point remains to know how to use these masks. "You have to stop touching it, repositioning it, lowering it on the chin or removing it from the nose because it itches", explains Gilles Bonnefond. "Otherwise, it's useless, and on the contrary, we risk getting infected."
It should also be noted that the price of masks for the general public is not framed. If the demand is too strong, it could explode. The fraud prevention services are responsible for monitoring these prices and if abuses are identified, the State announces "additional actions".