SEOUL, July 27 (Korea Bizwire) – Convenience stores are experiencing a surge in demand for COVID-19 test kits as South Korea reports a recent rise in new coronavirus cases.
According to convenience store chain CU, sales of COVID-19 self-test kits between July 18 and 24 jumped by 34.8 percent compared to the previous week (July 11 to 17).
In contrast to May and June, when sales dropped by 6 percent and 12.9 percent, respectively, the recent increase in COVID-19 infections is now stimulating demand for self-test kits, CU said.
Similarly, mask sales, which had been declining over the past couple of months, are now showing signs of recovery this month. Between July 18 and 24, mask sales jumped by 13.5 percent from the previous week.
GS25 also reported increases in the sales of self-test kits and masks between July 18 and 24, with jumps of 39.3 percent and 14.1 percent, respectively, compared to the previous week.
The sales trend of self-test kits and masks at convenience stores is considered a leading indicator of any changes in the number of COVID-19 infections.
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