Coronavirus: Hong Kong start-ups that raced to make masks relook plans, as government announces handouts for all households
- Mask-makers who launched after Covid-19 arrived only began rolling out products recently
- Some expect demand to remain strong, now that people everywhere know masks help
Every household will receive reusable masks that can be washed up to 60 times, as well as a pack of 10 disposable masks.
The government’s move forced local manufacturers like Huen, who only began making masks this year as the pandemic kicked in, to assess the impact on their business.
Some are now considering exporting their products, as the pandemic remains serious in Europe and the United States.
“Demand in Hong Kong for locally made masks may be slowed,” said Huen, 33, an inventor and entrepreneur who co-founded the masHker start-up to make masks. “If demand in Hong Kong drops, we will consider supplying our masks to overseas Hongkongers, who are our priority.”
During the initial stages of the Covid-19 outbreak in January, the price of a box of 50 masks soared to as much as HK$400 compared to the usual price of around HK$50 a box.