The flexibility in the use of masks in some cities and states, including São Paulo, which announced the end of mandatory use in open places this Wednesday (9), should begin to be felt by the market.
Manufacturers of the PFF2 model predict a drop in the average unit price, which rose from R$1 to R$1.50 at the beginning of the year with the wave of contamination by the ômicron variant.
“The offer is very large and, as the usage obligations are now being released, it is expected that prices will fall a little. But there is not much to fall, because the value is already very close to the cost”, says Raul Casanova Júnior , executive director of Animaseg (National Association of Safety and Work Protection Material Industry).
The price is still well below the one recorded at the peak of the pandemic, when it ranged from R$3 to R$9.
According to Casanova, the industry has not yet felt a drop in demand. In January, some companies in the sector used their entire production capacity, but the level returned to normal in February.
“Our orientation is for the PFF2 to be used indoors, and governments are releasing it to the street and open spaces. Therefore, it may not have such a big impact”, he says.
This Wednesday (9), João Doria announced the end of mandatory masks in open spaces in the state of São Paulo. The full release of protection can occur by the end of this month, according to the governor.
In Rio de Janeiro, the government left the decision to use in private places to the city halls. Mayor Eduardo Paes (PSD) withdrew the requirement for closed spaces on Monday.
Joana Cunha with Andressa Motter and Ana Paula Branco
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