Coronavirus: Kijiji bans listings for masks, hand sanitizer in crackdown on price-gouging

Kijiji is banning listings for health-care masks, hand sanitizer and other items in high demand amid the coronavirus outbreak in an effort to stop price-gouging.

The classifieds website made the announcement as it outlined best-practices for buying and selling through the site during the pandemic.

It says it’s also temporarily removing listings for “disinfecting wipes and toilet paper” based on user feedback.

Get weekly health news

Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday.

Sign up for weekly health newsletter Sign Up

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

The website says it’s trying to “curb pricing practices that run counter to the community-minded spirit of Kijiji.”

In recent days, listings for such items had popped up on the site well above market value.

0:30 Coronavirus outbreak: Panic buying causes toilet paper shortage at Costco store in Georgia

The website is also recommending that people follow health officials’ advice when meeting up to make purchases, including cleaning items with regular household cleaners or diluted bleach.