As Italy grappled with the escalating COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, the nation witnessed not only a surge in infections and fatalities but also a critical shortage of protective masks. With the total number of infections nearing 60,000 cases and over 5,400 deaths, the demand for masks soared, leading to unprecedented price hikes and scarcity in supplies.
Xiao Ning, a member of China’s expert team assisting Italy in combating COVID-19, observed that only about 40 percent of people on the streets were wearing masks. This low percentage reflected not just a lack of public awareness but also the dire shortage of masks available to the general population.
Italian journalist Andrea Savorani Neri, who documented his daily life under lockdown through vlogs, embarked on a quest to purchase a mask in his hometown of Faenza. Visiting several pharmacies, he discovered that most had completely run out of masks. Staff members were unsure when new supplies would arrive, highlighting the unpredictable nature of stock replenishment during the crisis.
In the few pharmacies where masks were still available, Neri encountered exorbitant prices. The cost of a single mask had skyrocketed from the usual 2-3 euros to as much as 10 euros, transforming a once affordable item into a “priceless asset.” This price surge not only strained the budgets of ordinary citizens but also underscored the broader issues of supply chain disruptions and the urgent need for protective equipment.
The mask shortage in Italy during the peak of the pandemic highlighted significant challenges in emergency preparedness and response. It also emphasized the importance of international cooperation in sharing resources and expertise to combat global health crises. As Italy navigated these difficulties, stories like Neri’s shed light on the everyday struggles faced by individuals amid unprecedented times.
Reference(s):
Story of Fighting COVID-19: How expensive are masks in Italy?
cgtn.com
