With Covid-19 cases ticking upward in Karnataka, Bengalureans are once again reaching for their masks—though caution levels seem inconsistent across the city. Chemists report a renewed surge in sales of masks and hand sanitisers, reminiscent of the early pandemic phase.
In Vasanth Nagar, pharmacy owners attribute the spike in demand not only to rising Covid concerns but also to dust from ongoing roadwork. “People are buying masks again—Covid and dust are both driving this,” said a pharmacist in the area.
At Ulsoor Lake, stores report brisk sales among young adults aged 20 to 40, many of whom are students or office-goers. “Nearby schools and IT offices are pushing the demand higher—we’ve had to reorder masks frequently,” shared a staff member at Safe Medicals.
Brigade Road pharmacies noted a sharp increase in both mask and hand sanitiser sales, echoing patterns from 2020. Here, corporate workers and college students are among the top buyers. In contrast, shops on MG Road report stable sales for now, though an uptick is anticipated. Meanwhile, Unicare in Shivajinagar even reported a dip in demand, hinting at the uneven caution exercised by citizens.
As for mask choices, surgical masks are leading sales due to affordability—₹5 to ₹10 each, compared to N95s, which range from ₹40 to ₹95. Despite N95s offering better protection, price remains the key factor in most purchase decisions.
Health experts urge citizens to mask up responsibly, especially in crowded or enclosed spaces.
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