Beijing drug store fined for hiking price of masks

Wednesday, 29 January 2020 14:19

A drug store in Beijing has been slapped with a 3 million yuan (AED 1,596,028) fine for hiking the price of face masks amid the coronavirus outbreak.

According to the city's municipal market regulator, Beijing Jimin Kangtai Pharmacy increased the price of N95 masks by almost six times the original.

Officials said they've stepped up inspections and have investigated 31 cases of price violations since January 23.

The coronavirus outbreak, which started in the Chinese city of Wuhan, has killed 132 people and infected nearly 6,000 in the country.

More from International

Evacuations planned as suspected hantavirus outbreak traps 150 on ship off Cape Verde

Medics were working on Monday to evacuate two people with symptoms of the deadly hantavirus after a suspected outbreak on a luxury cruise ship held off West Africa carrying mostly British, American and Spanish passengers, officials said.
Modi's party set to gain big in Indian state elections

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's party was on course to win two of four crucial state elections on Monday, expanding its influence and weakening its key rival half-way into his third term in office.
Iran warns US Navy to stay clear of Hormuz after US offers to help stranded ships

Iran's military warned US forces on Monday not to enter the Strait of Hormuz after President Donald Trump said the US would start helping to free ships stranded in the Gulf by the US-Israeli war on Iran.
Shooting at lake near Oklahoma City injures 10, more feared

The tally of injured from a shooting at a party at a lake near Oklahoma City is expected to rise beyond the 10 taken to hospital by rescuers, police said on Monday, as others among the victims make their own way to seek treatment.
United jet hits truck and light pole on approach to Newark airport

A United Airlines aircraft struck a light pole and a trailer on Sunday during its final approach to Newark Liberty International Airport, the New Jersey State Police said.