In recent weeks, pharmacies and medical supply stores across Da Nang have been bracing for a shortage of face masks amid coronavirus fears. As fears of the deadly coronavirus spread, some retailers and online sellers have peddled face masks at skyrocketed prices.

Two plastic boxes of free face masks at the Dong Giang Pharmacy

However, some pharmacies and stores in the city have been giving free face masks to local residents and visitors arriving in the city.

The Dong Giang Pharmacy, located at 32 Nguyen Van Thoai Street in Ngu Hanh Son District's My An Ward, is a typical example.

Two plastic boxes of face masks having the " Please take one if you need, no sell" text are being placed on the pharmacy's medicine selling desks.

This meaningful act which was widely shared on social networking site Facebook in the afternoon of 31 January received high appreciation from a large number of people.

Ms Nguyen Huong, a representative from the Dong Giang Pharmacy, said many people find it harder and more expensive to buy face masks due to an acute shortage of face masks in the city.

She added her pharmacy has imported 5,000 medical face masks with the prices being much higher than normal days. However, her pharmacy decided to give them free-of-charge to its shoppers in a bid to protect themselves against the coronavirus outbreak.

Meanwhile, a store selling face masks on Tran Bach Dang Street is offering free face masks to those in need with the message "Each person receives a bag of 5 face masks free-of-charge".

In addition, each of residents and tourists can buy only two boxes of face masks to avoid the speculation face masks.

Besides, free face masks are now available for coffee shop goers at some coffee shops on Nguyen Thai Hoc and Ong Ich Duong streets.

By TRUONG KY - Translated by MAI DUNG