People wear face masks in Mong Kok on February 25. It is simply not possible for all in Hong Kong to use masks without creating a severe shortage. If we all use them, we would need a minimum of 200 million a month. Photo: EPA-EFE People wear face masks in Mong Kok on February 25. It is simply not possible for all in Hong Kong to use masks without creating a severe shortage. If we all use them, we would need a minimum of 200 million a month. Photo: EPA-EFE
People wear face masks in Mong Kok on February 25. It is simply not possible for all in Hong Kong to use masks without creating a severe shortage. If we all use them, we would need a minimum of 200 million a month. Photo: EPA-EFE
Bernard Chan
Opinion

Opinion

Bernard Chan

Face masks are scarce in coronavirus-hit Hong Kong. Let’s spare them for the people most in need

  • The government and private sector are doing their best to boost supply but there just aren't enough masks to go around
  • The advice for all to wear a mask when outside, based on the idea that it’s better to be safe than sorry, is not feasible when supplies are limited

Bernard Chan
Bernard Chan

Updated: 6:10am, 28 Feb, 2020

Why you can trust SCMP
People wear face masks in Mong Kok on February 25. It is simply not possible for all in Hong Kong to use masks without creating a severe shortage. If we all use them, we would need a minimum of 200 million a month. Photo: EPA-EFE People wear face masks in Mong Kok on February 25. It is simply not possible for all in Hong Kong to use masks without creating a severe shortage. If we all use them, we would need a minimum of 200 million a month. Photo: EPA-EFE
People wear face masks in Mong Kok on February 25. It is simply not possible for all in Hong Kong to use masks without creating a severe shortage. If we all use them, we would need a minimum of 200 million a month. Photo: EPA-EFE
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Bernard Chan

Bernard Chan

Bernard Charnwut Chan, born in 1965, is a Hong Kong politician and businessman. He is the grandson of Chin Sophonpanich, the late founder of Bangkok Bank. He is currently convenor of Hong Kong's Executive Council.