Facemask shortage and the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak: Reflection on public health measures

Huailiang Wu; Jian Huang; Casper JP Zhang; Zonglin He; Wai-kit Ming

1 0 productivity, import, storage, and need. Relevant information was limited at the time when the analyses were performed (during the outbreak). Second, we did not take into account the logistics cost that could restrict the supplies on the markets. Thus, our analysis is likely to underestimate the severity of the facemask shortage experiencing by the healthcare workers and the general population. Third, we didn't consider the types of facemasks that should be used by individuals at different risk levels 29 . The situation of facemasks shortage might be more severe when considering the demand for different types of facemasks from healthcare workers (most required KN95/N95 respirators and medical protective masks) and the general population 29 . Fourth, our prediction ended in late-April considering the epidemic was predicted to fade out at about the same time 30 . However, if the transmissibility of the epidemic could be reduced, the peak and the end would be delayed 31 , the daily incidence and the demand for facemasks and other medical supplies would also decrease. Nevertheless, the anxiety in the population may result in constant demand for facemasks even when the epidemic is under controlled.