'Mask shortage may halt private clinic services'

A shop assistant opens boxes of face masks that arrived in Hong Kong. Even doctors in the city say they need more masks. Photo: AP

The Hong Kong Medical Association warned on Wednesday that private clinics may be forced to stop providing services because their supply of face masks was running low.



The association's president, Ho Chung-ping, said many clinics only had enough stock to last a week or two.



He also revealed that he had sought help from the Food and Health Bureau, but was waiting for a response.



Ho revealed that private clinics only realised how bad the situation was after the Lunar New Year break, when most suppliers told them they were out of face masks.



He said some nurses made clear that they would refuse to work if there were no face masks and protective clothing.



He warned that if private clinics had to close, hospitals could be further burdened if patients were left with no other option.