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Ottawa pharmacies say they have sold out of surgical masks as concerns about coronavirus have grown, especially among travellers.

Stores that sell painting supplies are also reporting that even painters’ masks are becoming scarce.

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Ryan Jarratt, pharmacist and owner of Respect Rx in Bells Corners, said he ran out of face masks on Friday evening. Most of the people buying them were travellers.

“Everything just disappeared on Thursday and Friday,” said Jarratt, who usually orders a supply of face masks for customers who request them during flu season.

“I think people just wanted to take precautions for travel.”

He has tried to reorder, but one warehouse said the product wouldn’t be available until Feb. 17. Another company would take his order, but had no date for availability.

“I’m usually able to get them within a week or a couple of days,” said Jarratt, who noted that the cost of face masks being sold on Amazon have climbed over the weekend.