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Shops Are Rationing Hand Sanitiser Amid Coronavirus Outbreak

Mary-Jane Wiltsher

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Shops Are Rationing Hand Sanitiser Amid Coronavirus Outbreak

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock

Sales of hand sanitiser are soaring as people panic buy the germ-killing gel amid coronavirus fears.

Chemist giant Boots has been rationing its sales of hand sanitisers, with some shops limiting customers to buying two bottles each.

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Last week, shoppers at the High Street Kensington branch of Boots in London were met with a sign saying: "Due to high demand we are only selling two hand sanitisers per person. Sorry for any inconvenience."

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Meanwhile, a Boots in Dundee reported selling out of the gel sanitiser following Tayside's first outbreak of coronavirus.

British online supermarket OCADO also sold out of hand sanitiser, listing "out of stock" for all of its anti-bacterial gels.

This includes a wide range of brands and prices, from 79p for the shop's Essential Antibac Gel to £10 Organic Children Antibacterial gel.

With increasing numbers of people putting in large orders of antibac products, shoppers are being met with empty shelves. (Credit: Triangle News)
With increasing numbers of people putting in large orders of antibac products, shoppers are being met with empty shelves. (Credit: Triangle News)
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With increasing numbers of people putting in large orders, shoppers are being met with empty shelves.

To date there have been at least 51 confirmed cases of the disease - known as Covid 19 - in the UK, including a secondary school pupil in Devon.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has encouraged people to start washing their hands regularly, leading to a surge in hand sanitiser sales.

The PM has warned that coronavirus cases 'could rise significantly' in the spring, and has unveiled a containment plan of action.

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Strategies will include school closures, increased home working and reducing the number of large scale gatherings to slow the spread of the disease.

British online supermarket OCADO sold out of hand sanitiser, listing
British online supermarket OCADO sold out of hand sanitiser, listing

The NHS says that to kill most viruses, a hand sanitiser requires at least 60 per cent alcohol content.

Viruses are tougher to kill than bacteria, however coronavirus is more susceptible to alcohol than norovirus.

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Dr Nick Phin, deputy director of the National Infection Service at Public Health England, told Tyla: "The best way to protect yourself from infections like coronavirus is to regularly wash your hands with soap and water.

"If soap or water aren't available and your hands are visibly clean then sanitiser gel can be used - but proper hand washing is the most effective method and this should be your first choice."

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has unveiled a coronavirus containment plan, strategies will include school closures and greater working from home (Credit: PA Images)
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has unveiled a coronavirus containment plan, strategies will include school closures and greater working from home (Credit: PA Images)

Ocado declined to comment on the hand sanitiser shortages, but said more people are placing large orders. This may be the result of customers stock-piling food.

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In an email sent to customers, the supermarket said: "We want to let you know that we're experiencing exceptionally high demand at the moment.

"More people than usual seem to be placing particularly large orders.

"As a result, delivery slots are selling out quicker than expected. We suggest following these useful tips to avoid any disappointment.

"Place your order a little further in advance than you might normally. Ideally, try two or three days before.

Empty shelves at a Tesco store in central London (Credit: Unity Blott / Tyla)
Empty shelves at a Tesco store in central London (Credit: Unity Blott / Tyla)

"If you can be flexible, book yourself a weekday delivery instead of a weekend one.

"Thank you for your patience and understanding."

Topics: Life News, Coronavirus

Mary-Jane Wiltsher
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