DAVIE, FLA. (WSVN) - Fears of the coronavirus’ spread throughout the world has led to a mask shortage in South Florida, as people prepare for a possible outbreak in their communities.
Harvey Brotsky, a Davie resident, went to Neighborhood Drugs to purchase a surgical mask for an upcoming trip, Wednesday, but when he arrived, he learned that the pharmacy, like many others in South Florida, do not have the masks in stock.
“We want to wear the mask on the plane,” Brotsky said. “The air is being circulated on that plane, so if someone has it, my wife and I are afraid that we’re going to contract [the virus].”
Surgical masks are in high demand because of the virus’ spread, so the masks are being sent to hospitals, and the masks that are made overseas are not reaching the United States.
The coronavirus fears are spreading as fast as the virus after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced the illness is likely to disperse to the U.S.
Richard Weiner owns Neighborhood Drugs, and he said getting masks on his store’s shelves has been difficult.
“I’ve checked with four or five suppliers, and it’s very difficult to get them,” Weiner said.
Officials said the masks are not important when it comes to preventing people from getting sick, and it is better for people who are sick to be wearing the mask.
“That can actually be sometimes more harmful to you than not wearing a mask, because if it’s not fitted right, you’re going to fumble with it,” Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar said. “You’re going to be touching your face, which is the number one way you’re going to get disease, is unclean hands touching your face.”
People are also asked to wash their hands, and if they are sick, they are advised to stay home if they can.
“Items like washing your hands for 20 seconds,” former Assistant Health and Human Services Secretary Chris Meekins said. “Most people do it less than five to ten, including not touching your face, not touching your eyes, if you’ve not washed your hands recently.”
Experts also recommend giving fist bumps instead of handshakes, using knuckles or elbows to touch elevator buttons.
While he is out of masks, Weiner said customers have been stocking up on cold and cough syrup, upset stomach medicine and cleaning supplies.
“I think common sense is important,” Weiner said. “Use Purell or Lysol or anything similar to that.”
Pharmacist Marc Leach, who owns the Las Olas Chemist in Fort Lauderdale, said now is the time to make sure people are healthy, whether it’s adding more vitamins into their diets or taking immune boosters.
“We haven’t had an uptick in the virus here enough to cause great concern, but I definitely agree with being prepared,” Leach said. “Just to take it on a regular basis to possibly help prevent the virus.”
Leach added that those simple things could make a huge difference.
As for Brotsky, he said he will keep looking for masks.
“You know, I don’t want to live in fear, but on the other hand, you can’t be too careful,” Brotsky said.
Experts also recommend South Floridians prepare for the virus as if they are preparing for a hurricane.
“Having maybe two weeks worth of food at home in terms of dry goods, canned goods in case, for whatever reason, there were to be some quarantine instituted,” Dr. Celine Gounder of New York University’s School of Medicine said.
Officials are also recommending that people have a good supply of prescription medicine on hand.
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