Looks like the latest casualty of the Covid-19 Pandemic might just be… the condom industry?
As the viral pandemic has swept across the globe, the impacts have been more far-reaching than just the illness itself. Disruptions in supply chains have occurred with countries going into lockdown, causing the production and import of goods to be halted or reduced in quantity.
Despite the memes and jokes about a potential pregnancy boom after this extended period of quarantine and isolation, the last thing that parents who are stuck at home with their antsy, cooped-up kids want will be another pregnancy. Which is why they hopefully have a backup method of birth control considering the sad news that condoms are one of the affected goods in the Covid-19 supply chain disruption.
A report by Reuters recently came out that describes how there will be a worldwide condom shortage due to lockdowns in Malaysia. Malaysia is home to Karex Bhd, the worlds largest condom manufacturer. According to Reuters, Karex Bhd is the supplier for Durex and the NHS in the U.K. The report describes the vast amount of condoms made by this supplier, and how they have stopped production for the past week due to the lockdown, creating a shortage of over 100 million condoms.
Although they have been given permission to resume manufacturing, they are required to work at half capacity which will result in even more shortages. This could be really bad news for people who need these products to be protected. Condoms help prevent pregnancy, however, equally important- they also protect against sexually-transmitted infections.
This is yet another example of just how widespread the effects of this virus and efforts to contain it truly are. Hopefully, people can stay safe and protected in the meantime. So if you’re relying on condoms and a little Netflix and Chill to help you pass by the isolation- maybe take up something a little less risky like toilet papier mache instead?