DUBLIN MEDICAL supply stores are reportedly running out of protective face masks, with concerns over the coronavirus outbreak sparking a surge in demand.
According to Dublin Live, there has been a major surge in the number of masks being purchases across Ireland in the wake of the viral outbreak.
More than 360 people have died since the outbreak of coronavirus in Wuhan, China.
To date there have been 18,000 cases reported worldwide with the World Health Organisation declaring the outbreak a global emergency.
Over the weekend, a man was escorted off a flight from Moscow to Dublin displaying “coronavirus-like” symptoms.
Though he and several other individuals have been tested for the virus, with the results coming back negative, the Irish public are gearing themselves up for the worst.
In some instances, retailers have already completely sold out of protective face gear.
A spokesperson for Fitzmedical Supplies in Glasnevin confirmed they have sold out of masks noting there had been a "big jump in demand” in the past two weeks.
“Some of the customers told me they are sending the masks back to China,” they told Dublin Live.
"We've been selling online as well, I came into the shop one morning and the amount of orders placed was hard to believe."
Those remarks were echoed by a spokeswoman for Murrays Medical Equipment in Dublin City Centre who confirmed “the demand is constant”.
"We're out of stock,” they added.
“We don't know when we're going to get in more right now.”
Despite the ongoing concerns the chief medical officer at the Department of Health, Dr Tony Holohan, has already confirmed a strategy is in place should any cases emerge.
"Early detection and prevention of spread of the virus are the key components of the Department of Health’s plans to combat the coronavirus," he told RTÉ radio’s Morning Ireland,
