Masks for Rs 5: Thoothukudi Corporation installs two vending machines

Commissioner of Thoothukudi Corporation VP Jeyaseelan, when contacted, said one of the two vending machines has been placed outside the corporation office, while the other has been put up near Rajaji park along Palayamkottai road.

The three-layered face mask is available at the vending machine at Rs 5 each. Each vending machine has a holding capacity of 120 masks and refilling arrangements are also available. Currently, masks have been procured from certified companies for public distribution. Plans are afoot to involve the participation of self-help group members, which need to be certified and distributed to people as a low-cost commodity.

Face masks have become a part and parcel of everybody’s life and hence its adequate availability should be ensured. The Corporation is also contemplating to procure face masks in large numbers from Puthiyamputhur, which is traditionally known as ‘garment village’ in Ottapidaram taluk in the district. Further, the Commissioner said there’s an overwhelming response from the public after they got access to the vending machines.