In wake of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in the country and abroad, the government and the private sector are both taking steps to make personal care, hygiene and sanitation products more affordable to the common mass.
The government capped prices of hand sanitizers on March 20th, 2020 while the Hindustan Unilever announced to reduce prices of products under its Lifebuoy and Domex brands.
Union Consumer Affairs Minister Ram Vilas Paswan tweeted on March 20th, 2020 that a price of 200 ml bottle of hand sanitizer cannot be sold for more than Rs 100. Paswan also tweeted masks cannot be sold for more than Rs 10 per piece.
Paswan’s tweets came days after people complained that hand sanitizers, soaps and masks – much-needed items during the coronavirus pandemic – have either gone out of stock or are sold at much higher prices.
Health experts have advised people to keep their hands clean as it may help reduce the risk of contracting the deadly virus. There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease.
The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. Health experts advised washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
Use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Photo credit: Twitter
