// UK supermarkets are planning to start selling face masks to the public
// French Supermarkets have already faced backlash for starting to sell face masks
UK supermarkets are preparing to begin selling face masks, amid growing speculation they will be recommended for public use as part of the government’s plans post lockdown.
The Grocer reported that some retailers are hesitant to launch the products, amid fears they will be seen to be diverting masks away from the NHS, amid continued reports over the shortages of PPE.
A source at one supermarket told The Grocer it would only start selling masks when it was sure there would be no negative impact on frontline health worker supplies as it didn’t want to do anything to prejudice the NHS.
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The source the The Grocer that if government guidance changes and people are then looking for face masks, buying them from supermarkets would make sense.
It also stated that it was hypersensitive to the issues facing key health workers, hence the current hesitation to begin selling face masks.
Supermarkets in France have already faced backlash for selling face masks this week while there are still numerous reports of PPE shortages in hospitals.
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