Half of the pharmacies in Bilbao do not have masks and when they do, they are for single use, according to a study by the Organization of Consumers and Users (OCU).
A survey carried out by OCU in 20 pharmacies in Bilbao reveals the difficulty for consumers to find masks, as well as their high sale price.
Thus, single-use masks (surgical masks) were only available in ten of the twenty pharmacies where they were asked, and their price ranged from 0.90 to 2.75 euros per unit, with an average price of 1.90. euros.
The reusable masks with a level of protection FFP2 were only found in one of the pharmacies in the survey at a price of 10 euros per unit.
Protective gloves were also sought. There were only two pharmacies, with limitations in sizes and materials, and their price was 2.50 euros for ten pairs.
The OCU has also warned that the great uncertainty about the availability and arrival date of these items has caused pharmacists to set up makeshift waiting lists in order to serve their customers.
For this reason, the OCU has urged the health authorities to ensure the widespread distribution of masks in pharmacies, setting a maximum affordable price, in order to contain contagion among those who have to return to work.
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