Looking for facemasks and hand sanitisers?

The chances of finding those in Samoa today are quite slim with the coronavirus hysteria slowly but surely creeping in.  

At Maria's Healthcare Pharmacy, the Owner, Maria Westerlund-Hunter, confirmed that they are out of stock.

"We are hoping to get our supplies in by next week,” she said.

But this will be very difficult, she admitted.

“New Zealand has shut down its borders and so has Australia. And also healthcare pharmacies around the world won't be able to send us any since they are also experiencing and preparing for the virus," she said.

The law of demand and supply has also come into play with demand for these products at an all time high around the world, Samoa is likely to struggle to get some.

"It will depend on the price,” Mrs. Westerlund-Hunter said. “We are trying our best to get masks and sanitizers but since the world is preparing for the virus it'll be hard to get it.”

As for the Pharmacy’s preparations, the Owner said they are not taking any chance. Customers and staff members are being monitored closely.

"Today, we are on the look out for anyone that has any flu-like symptoms, we will send them home to avoid spreading of the disease,” she said.

“We are advising everyone since we are out of stock on hand sanitizers and masks, we advise everyone to stay at home if you're feeling sick.

“Please see the doctor and stay home, avoid huge gatherings and always wash your hands.”

And despite the shortage of hand sanitizers and facemasks, the Pharmacist is confident that Samoans can still protect themselves.

She said people must carefully observe basic hygiene standards and follow instructions being provided by the Government and the Ministry of Health.