SUPERMARKET and pharmacy shelves across the globe are left bare as people scramble to lay their hands on basic necessities, medicines and foodstuff as fears mount that the Coronavirus could drag on.
Panic buying has also set in among Americans, where pharmacies are selling out of face masks.
Sellers on online stores can’t keep up with the demand and say deliveries will be delayed for weeks.
In the UK too, the Brits are stocking up on so-called “panic boxes” where sales of long-life emergency food and drink supplies have spiked by more than 1 200%.
According to Nicole Jennings, spokesperson for Pharma Dynamics, distributor of the nasal spray, called Nexa Shield in South Africa, there is no need for panic buying at this stage.
“Hoarding face masks for example, when one is healthy means that hospitals, clinics, where they are needed the most – could run out.
There have also been news reports of potential medicine shortages, which have led to panic ordering and buying of antibiotics worldwide, which is unwarranted.
“The widespread anxiety that the Coronavirus has caused is understandable, but the situation in South Africa does not call for panic, yet the public needs to be vigilant.
“Antibiotics are not effective for treating the Coronavirus and should only be used in case of bacterial infections. Misuse of antibiotics leads to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) – another epidemic, which the healthcare community are trying to tackle.
“Life-saving antibiotics should thus be used sparingly and responsibly.
“When antibiotics are prescribed, never share them with someone else who is sick and don’t ever skip a dose.
“While it’s good to stay up to date with your immunisations, it’s important to note that vaccines against other respiratory diseases won’t offer any protection against the Coronavirus,” said Jennings.
She said, the best way to reduce one’s risk of contracting the Coronavirus is to keep up proper hygiene practices, such as washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
“Alternatively, alcohol-based hand sanitisers should be used. Face-to-face contact and crowded environments where germs typically thrive should also be avoided,” said Jennings.
