Taipei, Taiwan (May 16, 2021)- As confirmed local cases of COVID-19 surge to 180 COVID-19, panic buying were reported, causing to shortage of stocks in some supermarket in Northern Taiwan.
President Tsai Ing-wen have advised the people against hoarding essential products like masks, food, and toilet paper.
As the transmission increases, the central government ordered closures in Taipei City and new Taipei City until May 28, that’s why people immediately went to supermarkets to buy and stock goods.
This behaviour of hoarding goods and products is not beneficial for all because this will only increase the risk of COVID clusters, according to the president on her Facebook page. Taiwan already prepared enough masks and other protective materials for all its citizens and has been taking virus prevention measures at all times.
The president had also added the phrase “Stand together for virus prevention, protect Taiwan” to her Facebook photo.
In separate remarks, the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) said 850 million masks were in storage, with a daily production capacity of 40 million, CNA reported. Nevertheless, the ministry said it had asked manufacturers to step up production and quicken the delivery to retailers.