NAVAL, Biliran, Feb. 11 (PIA) - In the face of threat and panic over the rapid spread of the 2019 Novel Corona Virus (NCoV), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Biliran Provincial Office expanded its price monitoring coverage from manufactured basic commodities to medical supplies to protect consumers from unscrupulous businessmen.

Ronelo G. Jamin, Senior Trade and Industry specialist reported during the Biliran Provincial Task Force on Infectious Disease Preparedness and Response emergency meeting, that as of Feb. 7, the N95 Face Mask and disposable face masks the DOH priced at P45-P105 and P1.10-P8.00, respectively, are out of stock in Naval.

From the 11 pharmacies in Naval they visited, prices of the Ethyl Alcohol 70% Solution 60ml ranges from P17.85-P25.00, 250ml at P35-P50, and 500ml at P50.00-P86.00.

A pair of sterile gloves is priced at P18.50-P30.00; nebulizer at P1,300-P2,000; Adult Neb Kit at P79.50-P139.00, and Pedia Neb Kit at P95.00-P150.00; Adult Oxygen Canula at P60.00-P100.00, Pedia Oxygen Canula at P45.00-P120.00, and Neonatal Oxygen Canula at P60.00-P100.00.

DTI-Biliran's special monitoring started on January 17 conducted every other week. But last week, they were mandated to conduct the price monitoring on medical supplies every other day, Jamin added.

Masks, 70% ethyl alcohol, and vitamin C became in demand in the local market as reports of persons under investigation (PUIs) and persons under monitoring (PUMs) in Eastern Visayas increased. (nbq/mlt/PIA8 Biliran)