Greedy Traders Profit from Coronavirus Fears in Croatia

As fears grow over the spread of the coronavirus in Croatia, which is close to badly affected Italy, online traders are profiting from people's anxiety.

On Friday, the health authorities reported two more cases of coronavirus, bringing the total number of cases in the country to five.

But while most pharmacies have already run out of protection masks, in the last few days adverts from traders re-selling masks have begun to appear on websites and social networks.

Prices vary from 2 to 14 euros apiece. Some are selling packages of as many 50 masks, however, with prices ranging from 40 to 50 euros.

While some medical experts question the use and efficacy of face masks, these advertisers in Croatia have no such qualms.

"The three-layer elastic band medical face masks, immediately available, serve as a prevention against airborne viruses and bacteria," an advert published on Friday on the most popular web advertiser, Njuskalo, said confidently.

Another advert bore the label "Anti-corona medical protective masks".

The World Health Organization, WHO, says that healthy persons only need to wear a mask if they are taking care of a someone with suspected coronavirus infection.

Experts from Croatia note that masks do not guarantee protection in any case.

After the first cases of coronavirus were confirmed on Tuesday, social and online media were flooded with photos of empty shelves in Croatian stores.

Panic buying of food and hygiene products such as wet wipes and hand sanitizers was rampant.

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