Wear your mask
The protection aid will be handed out at chemists
Earlier this week free facemasks were being given out at public transport hubs and stops in all towns. The masks are not obligatory but their use is advised if social-distancing rules cannot be kept. Vulnerable people will be given free masks at chemists throughout the region.
AN AGREEMENT has been signed between the Valencia government and pharmacists to hand out facemasks to residents over the age of 65 and people in ‘at-risk categories’.
Regional president Ximo Puig said the measure was to protect vulnerable people from the coronavirus.
He noted on Tuesday evening that the free facemasks would be available at chemists ‘in the coming days’.
However, no specific date for the arrival of the masks at pharmacies in Alicante province was given.
Anyone who wants to take up the offer would have to present their SIP health card.
Sr Puig explained that he discussed the proposal with representatives of pharmacy colleges via video link and they had agreed to carry out the measure.
Valencia’s president added that they are trying to ensure that facemasks are available for all the population ‘at reasonable prices’.
“We want everyone to be able to buy one when they need one and to ensure that no one is excluded,” he said.
Sr Puig thanked pharmacists for the very important work that they are doing, particularly in advising customers on the use of masks. “Facemasks offer protection if they are used properly,” noted Sr Puig.
He added that they will provide aid to chemists to make sure that as many people as possible have access to masks.
Sr Puig highlighted that his government is doing everything possible to ensure that essential medical equipment is available for both the health service and the general public.
He noted that they have been sourcing materials from China, which is one of the few countries that has the capacity to manufacture the wares for export at the moment.
Full report on the ‘silk route’ supply line on page 14.