As news regarding the spread of COVID-19 continues to grow, many people are in panic mode. Demand for not only hand sanitizers and face masks, but other household items such as water are causing stores to sell out of essential items across the U.S. (1)
Coronavirus Sees Major Retailers Selling Out Of Supplies
Major retailers such as Costco, Target, Walmart and even Home Depot are reporting low supplies in areas throughout California, New York, Washington, Hawaii, and Minnesota. Popular items include: (1)
- Disinfectants
- Water
- Toilet paper
- Medications
- Face masks
- Hand sanitizer
Even states with fewer confirmed cases of the virus are seeing supply shortages, with one Costco location reporting 800 people entering their store within 10 minutes of opening its doors. While supplies decrease, social media posts showing empty shelves increase, making matters worse. (1)
Over 92,303 Coronavirus Cases Globally
Since the virus was first identified in December 2019, it has continued to spread. As of March 3, over 92,303 people were infected in more than 50 countries. While the virus has spread beyond China, the majority of cases are still centralized to the country where the virus originated. In the U.S. there were over 100 cases as of March 3, 2020, according to Johns Hopkins University. (1, 2)
First Coronavirus Deaths In America
America saw its first two deaths from the virus over the weekend of March 1, both in the state of Washington. Both patients were male, in their 50s and 70s and treated at a Kirkland hospital. As well, both suffered from underlying health conditions. (1)
CDC And Red Cross Coronavirus Warnings
The run on supplies possibly resulted due to combined statements made about the virus. In late February, Dr. Nancy Messonnier, director of the CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases stated, “it’s not so much a question of if this will happen anymore, but rather more a question of exactly when this will happen and how many people in this country will have severe illness.” (1)
A statement from the American Red Cross helped fan the flames advising people to “Have a supply of food staples and household supplies like laundry detergent and bathroom items, and diapers if you have small children.” They also advised people to have at least a 30-day supply of health items and medications. (1)
Coronavirus Frenzy In California And Washington
Meanwhile, the Seattle frenzy continues with schools warning of possible closures and parents scrambling to be prepared for the worst. Similar issues are occurring in California, the state where the first community spread case occurred. Community cases refer to someone who contracted the virus with no known connection to other confirmed cases. (1)
Leave Masks For Health Care Providers
While sellouts continue, there is one thing to keep in mind. According to the U.S. Surgeon General, Jerome M. Adams, masks will not help protect you from the virus. His Twitter account stated: “Seriously people. STOP BUYING MASKS! They are NOT effective in preventing general public from catching #Coronavirus, but if healthcare providers can’t get them to care for sick patients, it puts them and our communities at risk!” Hopefully, people will at least get the message and not unknowingly potentially contribute to the spread of the virus. (1)
