Used masks being sold in Rawalpindi

RAWALPINDI: Amid the rising number of coronavirus infections, mask mafia is being allegedly selling used masks in the city, it has been revealed.

According to details, the mask mafia is allegedly collecting discarded masks from garbage dumps across the city and selling them in the markets after restoring it, which poses a serious threat to public health.

Sources informed that the people involved in this crime usually hire garbage collectors and pay them Rs. 300 per day. The garbage collectors are responsible to collect discarded masks from across the city and bring them to certain places.

Earlier, the prices of masks surged in the country after the federal government made it mandatory to wear face masks in public places.

According to reports, masks have either disappeared from medical stores in the country or are being sold at exorbitant prices.

Sources informed that a box of ordinary surgical masks that would have ordinarily cost somewhere between Rs 300 to 400 is now being sold for more than Rs 2,000. Health officials have blamed the shortage on hoarders.