With Corona panic setting in for some, city businesses can't keep masks in stock

Mask and books about masks still for sale on Amazon (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER - With Corona virus concerns in full bloom, businesses are having a hard time keep air filtration masks in stock.

Right now your best bet is to get one online, because local drugstores are selling out as soon as they get a new shipment, three of Rochester's pharmacies said today.

At Walmart employee told The Rochester Voice they'd been sold out for a while and didn't expect any more shipments for a few weeks.

Personnel at Walgreen's said they're facing the same predicament there.

"Every time (a shipment) comes in it gets sold out right away," they said. "We have another delivery coming in today but it will sell out right away, too."

The clerk urged that customers go online to attempt a purchase.

A Rite-Aid clerk added that they got a shipment of masks on Friday but they were gone by Saturday. She also advised consumers to try to purchase one online. Rite-Aid doesn't expect another shipment for about two weeks, she said.

Most experts believe a simple paper mask is not enough to prevent exposure to the virus, but advise at least a higher-grade foam-based mask that has more filtration capability.