The prolonged lockdown has brought about a set of challenges on one front, but on the other, it has also offered unique and innovative solutions such as the use of 3D printing and Injection molding to help augment the Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) that are being used by doctors, nurses, policemen and other frontline COVID-19&nbsp;fighters.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-reports-165-more-coronavirus-cases-107-more-in-mumbai-292910" hreflang="en">Maharashtra reports 165 more coronavirus cases; 107 more in Mumbai</a>

Much before the lockdown was announced in India and various other parts of the world, there were several reports and hoarding and black marketing of masks and protective gear, which eventually led to an acute shortage.

Manufacture and transport of these PPEs too were badly hit due to the stoppage of manufacturing centers around the globe and the further curbs on logistics.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/how-to-make-alcohol-at-home-among-top-online-searches-as-liquor-prices-soar-amid-lockdown-292890">'How to make alcohol at home' among top online searches as liquor prices soar amid lockdown</a>

That’s when 3D printing came into play, around mid-March, when many companies and enthusiasts in European nations that were badly hit started experimenting on 3D printing a type of face shield, that can be over and above masks for the healthcare professionals.

The trend gradually picked up pace and the open-source design of the face shield opened up a world of possibilities for anyone who owned or operated a 3D printer.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-crisis-indias-icmr-americas-cdc-in-touch-says-indian-envoy-to-us-details-on-ground-account-of-how-mission-reaching-to-indian-community-292877" hreflang="en">COVID-19 crisis: India's ICMR &amp; America's CDC in touch, says Indian envoy to US; details on ground account of how mission reaching to Indian community</a>

Chennai-based Surendranath Reddy, whose company 3Ding manufactures 3D printers and ships them across India says that he has been using the printers in his inventory and manufacturing such masks, which are being distributed on a goodwill basis to healthcare professionals and police, while all selling it to large hospitals.

Besides masks, the company also has come up with splitters that can be used on life-saving equipment such as ventilators, thus enabling two or four beneficiaries from a single ventilator.&nbsp;

“Initially we were depending on 3D printing and our clients too used the same technique by downloading the design &amp; specifications to print as many face shields as possible. However, we could only print 3 shields per hour and had to meet the large demand amidst the crisis. 3D printing helped us get feedback from medical professionals, alter and finalize the design. After a week, 3D printing didn’t seem viable and we had to look for alternatives to match the volume”, Surendranath, CEO, 3Ding told WION.&nbsp;

The face shields are said to offer added protection to the frontline workers who come in close contact with Corona patients. When doctors and patients interact, there is always the chance of aerosol spread and the face shield offers protection against it.&nbsp;

“While 3D printing is a new technique and helps us to get quick outputs for small quantities, we had to invest around 5 lakhs in the traditional method of injection molding to ensure that we can manufacture in large numbers. After our first 1000 face shields were 3D printed, we started using the injection molding and started making anywhere between 5,000-10,000 pieces every day” Reddy added.&nbsp;

On the availability of raw materials for 3D printing and injection moulding, amid the lockdown, Surendranath said that his company had nearly exhausted all their stock of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and are gradually managing to source it in small quantities. “Using PET means that they can be sterilized and reused until they remain physically intact, and also these shields barely weigh 15grams.”&nbsp;

The prolonged lockdown has brought about a set of challenges on one front, but on the other, it has also offered unique and innovative solutions such as the use of 3D printing and Injection molding to help augment the Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) that are being used by doctors, nurses, policemen and other frontline COVID-19 fighters.

The prolonged lockdown has brought about a set of challenges on one front, but on the other, it has also offered unique and innovative solutions such as the use of 3D printing and Injection molding to help augment the Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) that are being used by doctors, nurses, policemen and other frontline COVID-19 fighters. Also read: Maharashtra reports 165 more coronavirus cases; 107 more in Mumbai Much before the lockdown was announced in India and various other parts of the world, there were several reports and hoarding and black marketing of masks and protective gear, which eventually led to an acute shortage. Manufacture and transport of these PPEs too were badly hit due to the stoppage of manufacturing centers around the globe and the further curbs on logistics. Also read: 'How to make alcohol at home' among top online searches as liquor prices soar amid lockdown That’s when 3D printing came into play, around mid-March, when many companies and enthusiasts in European nations that were badly hit started experimenting on 3D printing a type of face shield, that can be over and above masks for the healthcare professionals. The trend gradually picked up pace and the open-source design of the face shield opened up a world of possibilities for anyone who owned or operated a 3D printer. Also read: COVID-19 crisis: India's ICMR & America's CDC in touch, says Indian envoy to US; details on ground account of how mission reaching to Indian community Chennai-based Surendranath Reddy, whose company 3Ding manufactures 3D printers and ships them across India says that he has been using the printers in his inventory and manufacturing such masks, which are being distributed on a goodwill basis to healthcare professionals and police, while all selling it to large hospitals. Besides masks, the company also has come up with splitters that can be used on life-saving equipment such as ventilators, thus enabling two or four beneficiaries from a single ventilator. “Initially we were depending on 3D printing and our clients too used the same technique by downloading the design & specifications to print as many face shields as possible. However, we could only print 3 shields per hour and had to meet the large demand amidst the crisis. 3D printing helped us get feedback from medical professionals, alter and finalize the design. After a week, 3D printing didn’t seem viable and we had to look for alternatives to match the volume”, Surendranath, CEO, 3Ding told WION. The face shields are said to offer added protection to the frontline workers who come in close contact with Corona patients. When doctors and patients interact, there is always the chance of aerosol spread and the face shield offers protection against it. “While 3D printing is a new technique and helps us to get quick outputs for small quantities, we had to invest around 5 lakhs in the traditional method of injection molding to ensure that we can manufacture in large numbers. After our first 1000 face shields were 3D printed, we started using the injection molding and started making anywhere between 5,000-10,000 pieces every day” Reddy added. On the availability of raw materials for 3D printing and injection moulding, amid the lockdown, Surendranath said that his company had nearly exhausted all their stock of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and are gradually managing to source it in small quantities. “Using PET means that they can be sterilized and reused until they remain physically intact, and also these shields barely weigh 15grams.”

Face shields for frontline COVID-19 fighters made using 3D printing and injection moulding

The novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 can remain infectious on face masks for up to a week, and last on banknotes, stainless steel and plastic surfaces for days, according to a study.

However, the virus can be killed by household disinfectants, bleach or frequent hand washing with soap and water, said the researchers from the University of Hong Kong (HKU).

The study found that the COVID-19 virus can stick to stainless steel and plastic surfaces for up to four days, and to the outer layer of a face mask for a week, Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported on Monday.

The report, published in The Lancet journal, adds to a growing body of research about the stability of SARS-CoV-2 -- as the novel coronavirus is formally known -- and what can be done to prevent its transmission.

"SARS-CoV-2 can be highly stable in a favourable environment, but it is also susceptible to standard disinfection methods," said the researchers, including Leo Poon Litman and Malik Peiris, both from HKU's School of Public Health.

The researchers tested how long the virus could remain infectious at room temperature on a variety of surfaces.

On printing and tissue paper it lasted less than three hours, while on treated wood and cloth, it had disappeared by the second day.

On glass and banknotes, the virus was still evident on the second day, but had gone by the fourth, while on stainless steel and plastic it was present for between four and seven days.

"Strikingly," the researchers said, there was still a detectable level of infection on the outer layer of a surgical face mask after seven days. 
"This is exactly why it is very important if you are wearing a surgical mask you don't touch the outside of the mask," Peiris said.

"Because you can contaminate your hands and if you touch your eyes you could be transferring the virus to your eyes," he was quoted by SCMP.

On all surfaces, the concentration of the virus reduced quite rapidly over time, the study said.

The researchers said that the results did "not necessarily reflect the potential to pick up the virus from casual contact," as the presence of the virus in the study was detected by laboratory tools, not fingers and hands as would be the case in everyday life.

A study by American researchers on the environmental stability of the coronavirus published last month in the journal Nature also concluded that it can remain infectious on some surfaces for days.

They found the virus was present on plastic and steel for up to 72 hours, but did not last more than four hours on copper or 24 hours on cardboard.

The findings from HKU add to the conversation about public health and hygiene, and what kinds of precautions people should take when bringing items like groceries into their homes.

Poon said hand washing remains at the top of the list, and it was theoretically possible for tins of food to carry enough live virus to cause an infection, but that the exact risk is yet to be established.

"If you want to protect yourself just maintain good hygiene, wash your hands often and try not to touch your face, your mouth or nose without cleaning first," he said.

People who were particularly concerned might prefer to leave non-perishable items in their shopping bags in the kitchen for a day before handling them, he said.

"That would reduce the viral concentration a lot. But the most important message is wash your hands," he said.&nbsp;

The novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 can remain infectious on face masks for up to a week, and last on banknotes, stainless steel and plastic surfaces for days, according to a study.

The novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 can remain infectious on face masks for up to a week, and last on banknotes, stainless steel and plastic surfaces for days, according to a study. However, the virus can be killed by household disinfectants, bleach or frequent hand washing with soap and water, said the researchers from the University of Hong Kong (HKU). The study found that the COVID-19 virus can stick to stainless steel and plastic surfaces for up to four days, and to the outer layer of a face mask for a week, Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported on Monday. The report, published in The Lancet journal, adds to a growing body of research about the stability of SARS-CoV-2 -- as the novel coronavirus is formally known -- and what can be done to prevent its transmission. "SARS-CoV-2 can be highly stable in a favourable environment, but it is also susceptible to standard disinfection methods," said the researchers, including Leo Poon Litman and Malik Peiris, both from HKU's School of Public Health. The researchers tested how long the virus could remain infectious at room temperature on a variety of surfaces. On printing and tissue paper it lasted less than three hours, while on treated wood and cloth, it had disappeared by the second day. On glass and banknotes, the virus was still evident on the second day, but had gone by the fourth, while on stainless steel and plastic it was present for between four and seven days. "Strikingly," the researchers said, there was still a detectable level of infection on the outer layer of a surgical face mask after seven days. "This is exactly why it is very important if you are wearing a surgical mask you don't touch the outside of the mask," Peiris said. "Because you can contaminate your hands and if you touch your eyes you could be transferring the virus to your eyes," he was quoted by SCMP. On all surfaces, the concentration of the virus reduced quite rapidly over time, the study said. The researchers said that the results did "not necessarily reflect the potential to pick up the virus from casual contact," as the presence of the virus in the study was detected by laboratory tools, not fingers and hands as would be the case in everyday life. A study by American researchers on the environmental stability of the coronavirus published last month in the journal Nature also concluded that it can remain infectious on some surfaces for days. They found the virus was present on plastic and steel for up to 72 hours, but did not last more than four hours on copper or 24 hours on cardboard. The findings from HKU add to the conversation about public health and hygiene, and what kinds of precautions people should take when bringing items like groceries into their homes. Poon said hand washing remains at the top of the list, and it was theoretically possible for tins of food to carry enough live virus to cause an infection, but that the exact risk is yet to be established. "If you want to protect yourself just maintain good hygiene, wash your hands often and try not to touch your face, your mouth or nose without cleaning first," he said. People who were particularly concerned might prefer to leave non-perishable items in their shopping bags in the kitchen for a day before handling them, he said. "That would reduce the viral concentration a lot. But the most important message is wash your hands," he said.

COVID-19 virus can last on face masks for a week, banknotes for days: Study

The internet has become the most important tool for millions under lockdown. But the surge in demand could break the internet. WION's Palki Sharma tells you what tech companies are doing to handle the demand.

Gravitas: Can the internet break down? | Wuhan Coronavirus

With no definitive cure in sight, face masks have become the best weapon to fight the Coronavirus battle. This report tells you how masks became synonymous with some of the biggest events in recent history.

Gravitas: How masks are the symbol of the Coronavirus pandemic

China's auto leading automaking&nbsp;company BYD has claimed that it operates the world's largest mask-making factory less than a month after starting production in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

''BYD has created the world's largest mass-produced face masks plant. The plant is now running at full capacity and is able to produce 5 million masks and 300,000 bottles of disinfectants per day,'' the company said in a press release.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-new-gold-thieves-steal-thousands-of-surgical-masks-from-hospital-in-japan-281426">'The new gold': Thieves steal thousands of surgical masks from hospital in Japan</a>

The Shenzhen based Chinese company is further expanding its capacity.

It rallied more than 3,000 engineers and other employees to make protective equipment and meet the surge in global demand for face masks after the coronavirus outbreak.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-political-rivals-are-wooing-voters-with-free-face-masks-286757">Hong Kong political rivals are wooing voters with free face masks</a>

It started to manufacture face masks from February 8, 2020.

The company is backed by American businessman Warren Buffet and Samsung Electronics as major investors and also makes batteries for electric vehicles.

In February, Apple's major supplier Foxconn also diverted part of its production line to make medical masks.

China is the world biggest mask producer and the COVID-19 outbreak has further catapulted the demand for masks, along with hand sanitizer.&nbsp;

China's auto leading automaking company BYD has claimed that it operates the world's largest mask-making factory less than a month after starting production in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

China's auto leading automaking company BYD has claimed that it operates the world's largest mask-making factory less than a month after starting production in response to the coronavirus pandemic. ''BYD has created the world's largest mass-produced face masks plant. The plant is now running at full capacity and is able to produce 5 million masks and 300,000 bottles of disinfectants per day,'' the company said in a press release. Also read: 'The new gold': Thieves steal thousands of surgical masks from hospital in Japan The Shenzhen based Chinese company is further expanding its capacity. It rallied more than 3,000 engineers and other employees to make protective equipment and meet the surge in global demand for face masks after the coronavirus outbreak. Also read: Hong Kong political rivals are wooing voters with free face masks It started to manufacture face masks from February 8, 2020. The company is backed by American businessman Warren Buffet and Samsung Electronics as major investors and also makes batteries for electric vehicles. In February, Apple's major supplier Foxconn also diverted part of its production line to make medical masks. China is the world biggest mask producer and the COVID-19 outbreak has further catapulted the demand for masks, along with hand sanitizer.

Chinese electronic vehicle manufacturer BYD becomes world's biggest face mask maker

An Indian national was among five persons arrested here on Tuesday for stockpiling over one million masks to sell them in the black market, police said.

The coronavirus pandemic has prompted a frenzied buying of masks and hand sanitizers. The shortage due to the increased demand has prompted a growing black market in their sale.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-to-transform-3-hospitals-into-treatment-centres-for-coronavirus-patients-286787"> Nepal to transform 3 hospitals into treatment centres for coronavirus patients</a>

According to police, they raided a godown of RDG International Suppliers at Milanchowk area in Kathmandu and recovered 10,00,800 masks to be sold in the black market.

Five persons, including a 37-year-old resident of India's Rajasthan state, were arrested for stockpiling the masks.

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-suspends-visa-on-arrival-services-amid-coronavirus-outbrek-286359">Nepal suspends visa on arrival services, amid coronavirus outbrek</a>

The Indian national, identified as Subash Maheshwori, is one of the directors of the company.

The four other arrested are all Nepalese nationals.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-closes-mount-everest-for-climbers-because-of-coronavirus-fears-286068"> Nepal closes Mount Everest for climbers because of coronavirus fears</a>

They are also the directors of the company, police said, adding that they have been identified as 30-year-old Tekram Shrestha, 34-year-old Sanjaya Regmi, 24-year-old Suraj Goyal and 26-year-old Ajim Baks Miya.

An Indian national was among five persons arrested here on Tuesday for stockpiling over one million masks to sell them in the black market, police said. The coronavirus pandemic has prompted a frenzied buying of masks and hand sanitizers.

An Indian national was among five persons arrested here on Tuesday for stockpiling over one million masks to sell them in the black market, police said. The coronavirus pandemic has prompted a frenzied buying of masks and hand sanitizers. The shortage due to the increased demand has prompted a growing black market in their sale. Also read: Nepal to transform 3 hospitals into treatment centres for coronavirus patients According to police, they raided a godown of RDG International Suppliers at Milanchowk area in Kathmandu and recovered 10,00,800 masks to be sold in the black market. Five persons, including a 37-year-old resident of India's Rajasthan state, were arrested for stockpiling the masks. Also see: Nepal suspends visa on arrival services, amid coronavirus outbrek The Indian national, identified as Subash Maheshwori, is one of the directors of the company. The four other arrested are all Nepalese nationals. Also read: Nepal closes Mount Everest for climbers because of coronavirus fears They are also the directors of the company, police said, adding that they have been identified as 30-year-old Tekram Shrestha, 34-year-old Sanjaya Regmi, 24-year-old Suraj Goyal and 26-year-old Ajim Baks Miya.

Indian national among 5 arrested in Nepal for selling masks in black market

Hong Kong's rival political camps have embraced a new tactic to woo potential voters as the city hunkers down during the coronavirus pandemic: free face masks.

Masks have been in desperately short supply in Hong Kong since the start of the year when the epidemic reached the financial hub.

Politicians from both the resurgent pro-democracy camp and their embattled pro-Beijing rivals have seized on the shortage, beginning a charm offensive with voters even before official campaigning kicks off for the city's legislature elections in September.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/the-long-term-political-fallout-of-coronavirus-285202"> The long-term political fallout of Coronavirus</a>

Already riding high after last year's huge anti-government protests, three pro-democracy parties were the first to pull off something of a public relations coup securing 1.2 million masks form Honduras.

The move did not go unnoticed, and one week later the pro-Beijing camp announced that had one million masks of their own.

Local councillor Eason Chan said he believed the swift response from the pro-democracy camp to the virus pushed their opponents to up their game.

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-media-tycoon-jimmy-lai-arrested-on-illegal-assembly-charges-283269">Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai arrested on illegal assembly charges</a>

"That we started earlier and kept bringing supplies to the community, in some ways, forced all parties to join the competition," he told the source.

"The Pro-Beijing camp wants to use this chance to return to the community and reinforce their local support," he added.

Beijing's powerful Liaison Office in Hong Kong announced the neighbouring Chinese mainland city of Shenzhen had donated one million masks that were being distributed among the community by a newly-formed group called "Hong Kong Community Anti-Coronavirus Link".

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/coronavirus-drags-hong-kong-business-outlook-to-record-low-data-284240">Coronavirus drags Hong Kong business outlook to record low: data</a>

"As long as the public can be benefitted, it's fine for different parties in society to do their own part," said Bunny Chan, a well-connected politician within the pro-Beijing side and one of about 30 conveners of the Link.

"Our conveners have either extensive local networks or professional background, and we have more than 5,000 volunteers across the city to help," he told the source.

Anger at slow response

Hong Kongers will be able to elect half the lawmakers in the city's legislature, a body designed to ensure the pro-Beijing block always holds sway.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-police-fire-tear-gas-as-black-clad-protesters-return-to-streets-283509">Hong Kong police fire tear gas as black-clad protesters return to streets</a>

But after last year's huge anti-government protests and a landslide victory in November local council elections, the pro-democracy camp have their best chance ever to capture most of the electable seats in the legislature.

And the pro-Beijing block is scrambling to avoid another humiliating defeat.

Eason Chan said sourcing masks to hand out for free was one of the first tasks on his to-do list after he was sworn in as a local councillor for Kwun Tong, a reliably pro-government district until last year's protests.

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/no-tangible-plans-moodys-downgrades-protest-hit-hong-kong-275545">'No tangible plans': Moody's downgrades protest-hit Hong Kong</a>

The 23-year-old political novice has distributed 10,000 masks since January, gathered through donations and paid for out of his own pocket.

"Mask handouts are closely related to the election in September," he added.

Beijing continues to full-throatily back chief executive Lam even though she is grappling with historic low approval ratings.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-reports-more-coronavirus-cases-from-abroad-amid-strict-quarantine-measures-286578">China reports more coronavirus cases from abroad amid strict quarantine measures</a>

But many of her allies in Hong Kong's pro-establishment camp have begun distancing themselves from her administration and even openly criticising it, especially after the virus outbreak.

There has been widespread public anger towards the city's unelected pro-Beijing leaders over their failure to stockpile supplies in a city traumatised by a 2003 outbreak of the SARS virus that killed more than 300 people.

The COVID-19 disease has so far infected 149 people, four of whom have died.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-global-death-toll-overtakes-sars-epidemic-fatalities-279534">Coronavirus global death toll overtakes Sars epidemic fatalities</a>

"It's become clear that whoever has a close association with the government is doomed," Chung Kim-wah, a social scientist at the Public Opinion Research Institute told the soruce.

He said the pro-government camp will need to try harder to persuade voters in a city still seething with public anger and clamouring for democratic reform.

"Hong Kong voters have many other and deeper grievances from what happened last year," he said.

Hong Kong's rival political camps have embraced a new tactic to woo potential voters as the city hunkers down during the coronavirus pandemic: free face masks. Masks have been in desperately short supply in Hong Kong since the start of the year when the epidemic reached the financial hub.

Hong Kong's rival political camps have embraced a new tactic to woo potential voters as the city hunkers down during the coronavirus pandemic: free face masks. Masks have been in desperately short supply in Hong Kong since the start of the year when the epidemic reached the financial hub. Politicians from both the resurgent pro-democracy camp and their embattled pro-Beijing rivals have seized on the shortage, beginning a charm offensive with voters even before official campaigning kicks off for the city's legislature elections in September. Also read: The long-term political fallout of Coronavirus Already riding high after last year's huge anti-government protests, three pro-democracy parties were the first to pull off something of a public relations coup securing 1.2 million masks form Honduras. The move did not go unnoticed, and one week later the pro-Beijing camp announced that had one million masks of their own. Local councillor Eason Chan said he believed the swift response from the pro-democracy camp to the virus pushed their opponents to up their game. Also see: Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai arrested on illegal assembly charges "That we started earlier and kept bringing supplies to the community, in some ways, forced all parties to join the competition," he told the source. "The Pro-Beijing camp wants to use this chance to return to the community and reinforce their local support," he added. Beijing's powerful Liaison Office in Hong Kong announced the neighbouring Chinese mainland city of Shenzhen had donated one million masks that were being distributed among the community by a newly-formed group called "Hong Kong Community Anti-Coronavirus Link". Also see: Coronavirus drags Hong Kong business outlook to record low: data "As long as the public can be benefitted, it's fine for different parties in society to do their own part," said Bunny Chan, a well-connected politician within the pro-Beijing side and one of about 30 conveners of the Link. "Our conveners have either extensive local networks or professional background, and we have more than 5,000 volunteers across the city to help," he told the source. Anger at slow response Hong Kongers will be able to elect half the lawmakers in the city's legislature, a body designed to ensure the pro-Beijing block always holds sway. Also read: Hong Kong police fire tear gas as black-clad protesters return to streets But after last year's huge anti-government protests and a landslide victory in November local council elections, the pro-democracy camp have their best chance ever to capture most of the electable seats in the legislature. And the pro-Beijing block is scrambling to avoid another humiliating defeat. Eason Chan said sourcing masks to hand out for free was one of the first tasks on his to-do list after he was sworn in as a local councillor for Kwun Tong, a reliably pro-government district until last year's protests. Also see: 'No tangible plans': Moody's downgrades protest-hit Hong Kong The 23-year-old political novice has distributed 10,000 masks since January, gathered through donations and paid for out of his own pocket. "Mask handouts are closely related to the election in September," he added. Beijing continues to full-throatily back chief executive Lam even though she is grappling with historic low approval ratings. Also read: China reports more coronavirus cases from abroad amid strict quarantine measures But many of her allies in Hong Kong's pro-establishment camp have begun distancing themselves from her administration and even openly criticising it, especially after the virus outbreak. There has been widespread public anger towards the city's unelected pro-Beijing leaders over their failure to stockpile supplies in a city traumatised by a 2003 outbreak of the SARS virus that killed more than 300 people. The COVID-19 disease has so far infected 149 people, four of whom have died. Also read: Coronavirus global death toll overtakes Sars epidemic fatalities "It's become clear that whoever has a close association with the government is doomed," Chung Kim-wah, a social scientist at the Public Opinion Research Institute told the soruce. He said the pro-government camp will need to try harder to persuade voters in a city still seething with public anger and clamouring for democratic reform. "Hong Kong voters have many other and deeper grievances from what happened last year," he said.

Hong Kong political rivals are wooing voters with free face masks

Indonesian police seized over half a million face masks from a Jakarta-area warehouse after the country's first confirmed cases of coronavirus sparked panic buying and sent prices for prevention products skyrocketing.

Authorities were questioning two people after the Tuesday evening raid at a warehouse in satellite city Tangerang, where nearly 600,000 surgical masks were found.

The owners did not have permission to distribute the masks, police said.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/battling-shortage-china-urgently-needs-masks-and-medical-equipment-to-tackle-coronavirus-278365">Battling shortage, China 'urgently needs' masks and medical equipment to tackle Coronavirus</a>

"Mask prices have skyrocketed everywhere and there are shortages, most likely because hoarders are trying to make money at the public's expense," Jakarta police spokesman Yusri Yunus told AFP Wednesday.

Those convicted of hoarding masks could face up to five years in jail and hefty fines, police said.

The warehouse raid came after hundreds of boxes of surgical masks were also seized Tuesday at a Jakarta apartment.

And police said they busted a factory at the weekend allegedly making and distributing counterfeit masks that did not meet health standards

"Those masks are useless," Yunus said.

"They won't protect people who use them."

The crackdown was ordered by Indonesian president Joko Widodo who has called on citizens to avoid panic buying even as store shelves are cleared and prices soar for masks and hand sanitisers.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kongers-set-up-face-mask-factory-amid-coronavirus-panic-buying-282539">Hong Kongers set up face mask factory amid coronavirus panic buying</a>

Major cities including Tokyo, Hong Kong, Sydney have also seen panic buying sparked by the virus.

Indonesians, meanwhile, are scooping up a traditional herbal tonic known as jamu and in one city sellers dressed as Batman and local superhero Gundala were handing out the drink to motorists.

"My sales have more than doubled since Monday," said Nur Hidayati, 29, a jamu seller in Bogor near Jakarta.

"People tell me they want jamu to stay healthy and immune from the virus."

On Monday, Indonesia confirmed its first coronavirus cases, saying a 64-year-old woman and her daughter, 31, tested positive.

Globally, coronavirus has infected more than 90,000 people and killed at least 3,100 people.

But Indonesia a Southeast Asian archipelago of more than 260 million had yet to report a confirmed case until this week. 
&nbsp;

Indonesian police seized over half a million face masks from a Jakarta-area warehouse after the country's first confirmed cases of coronavirus sparked panic buying and sent prices for prevention products skyrocketing.

Indonesian police seized over half a million face masks from a Jakarta-area warehouse after the country's first confirmed cases of coronavirus sparked panic buying and sent prices for prevention products skyrocketing. Authorities were questioning two people after the Tuesday evening raid at a warehouse in satellite city Tangerang, where nearly 600,000 surgical masks were found. The owners did not have permission to distribute the masks, police said. Also Read: Battling shortage, China 'urgently needs' masks and medical equipment to tackle Coronavirus "Mask prices have skyrocketed everywhere and there are shortages, most likely because hoarders are trying to make money at the public's expense," Jakarta police spokesman Yusri Yunus told AFP Wednesday. Those convicted of hoarding masks could face up to five years in jail and hefty fines, police said. The warehouse raid came after hundreds of boxes of surgical masks were also seized Tuesday at a Jakarta apartment. And police said they busted a factory at the weekend allegedly making and distributing counterfeit masks that did not meet health standards "Those masks are useless," Yunus said. "They won't protect people who use them." The crackdown was ordered by Indonesian president Joko Widodo who has called on citizens to avoid panic buying even as store shelves are cleared and prices soar for masks and hand sanitisers. Also Read: Hong Kongers set up face mask factory amid coronavirus panic buying Major cities including Tokyo, Hong Kong, Sydney have also seen panic buying sparked by the virus. Indonesians, meanwhile, are scooping up a traditional herbal tonic known as jamu and in one city sellers dressed as Batman and local superhero Gundala were handing out the drink to motorists. "My sales have more than doubled since Monday," said Nur Hidayati, 29, a jamu seller in Bogor near Jakarta. "People tell me they want jamu to stay healthy and immune from the virus." On Monday, Indonesia confirmed its first coronavirus cases, saying a 64-year-old woman and her daughter, 31, tested positive. Globally, coronavirus has infected more than 90,000 people and killed at least 3,100 people. But Indonesia a Southeast Asian archipelago of more than 260 million had yet to report a confirmed case until this week.

Indonesia seizes half a million virus masks amid panic buying

People are turning to face masks to protect themselves from the coronavirus. But, Pharmacies are running out of them. From Hong Kong, to Manila and even Bangkok - countries affected by the Wuhan virus are running short of face masks.

Gravitas: Wuhan virus triggers a shortage of face masks

Hong Kong Protest has entered to the 22nd week. Police fired tear gas to break up the demonstration

22nd week of Hong Kong Protest: Protesters wear banned face masks

Hong Kong is set to enact an emergency law to ban face masks at rallies, media reported on Thursday (October 3), as authorities grapple with nearly four months of anti-government protests. Watch this video to know more.

Hong Kong might ban face masks in bid to curb violence

The colonial-era law that gives Hong Kong leader sweeping powers

Hong Kong's embattled leader Carrie Lam on Friday invoked colonial-era emergency powers for the first time in more than 50 years in a dramatic move intended to quell escalating violence in the Chinese-ruled city.

Hong Kong: Carrie Lam invokes emergency powers to try to quell escalating violence

Hong Kong leader invokes emergency powers to try to quell escalating violence. Watch this video to know more.

Hong Kong leader invokes emergency powers to try to quell escalating violence

face-masks

Face Masks, News on Face Masks, stories on Face Masks, articles on Face Masks, Face Masks stories at Wion, Face Masks news, Face Masks latest news