Amazon Vows To Take Down Listings Of 'Coronavirus Halloween Masks'

Amazon has promised to remove coronavirus-themed Halloween masks from sale. The promise came as the global coronavirus death toll crossed one million this week.

Listings of coronavirus Halloween masks made in China made their way to Amazon this week and many blasted the products as “hugely distasteful.” The masks are made of latex and resemble the SARS-CoV-2019 virus, the new coronavirus that causes COVID-19, but with menacing eyes and jagged teeth.

Several sellers based in China listed the products on the online marketplace, claiming the masks are “suitable for adults and teenagers.” One of the sellers also wrote in the product description that the mask would leave “an amazing and lasting impression” to buyers.

One of the listed masks is being sold by a seller from Guangdong, China and is listed as a YTFU Corona Latex Horror Mask. The seller claims that the product is made of safe and non-toxic material and features a “terrible Corona design.” Most of the other Halloween coronavirus masks on Amazon also claim to be made of natural nontoxic and environmentally friendly material. “This mask can attract people’s attention when wearing at the party,” one of the product descriptions reads. “You can choose this mask, more ladies than before.”

Another product listed as “Coronavirus Horror Latex Head Mask” also claims to have a natural and realistic appearance “which is horrifying and creepy, and many children are afraid to come close.” “This will add more happy and active atmosphere to you,” the product description reads.

The products drew criticism by Rachel Power, chief executive of the Patients Association. Power said the manufacturing of such masks only show “a terrible lapse of judgment.” “I’ve no doubt the great majority of people will find them hugely distasteful, and I can’t imagine that many people would wish to wear one,” she said.

Amazon quickly responded to the criticism, saying it would take down all listings of Coronavirus Masks. The online marketplace also urged sellers to follow Amazon’s selling guidelines and said those who will fail to do so will have their Amazon accounts taken down.