FLORIDA — Grocery and convenience stores in Jacksonville can’t keep medical supplies like masks, hand sanitizers and wipes on the shelves as locals try to protect themselves from the coronavirus.
Stores across the city are being picked clean of things like hand sanitizer, wipes and disinfectants.
Action News Jax has learned Publix is now putting a restriction on the amount of cleaning products you can buy.
Publix supermarket stores in Jacksonville are dealing with an inventory shortage on cleaning supplies due to the coronavirus.
Margie Krump went inside Publix on the southside hoping to buy hand sanitizer.
But the store was wiped out.
“I specifically asked for the gel and they said they haven’t had it for a while ,” Krump said.
But she did find some antibacterial wipes to clean shopping cart handles and other things she has to touch.
“I think for people who have health issues, it’s probably a little scary. I’m a little worried for my husband so he’s staying at home,” said Krump.
BREAKING:@CDCgov has issued new travel guidelines: Those who traveled to a country with Level 3 advisory must self-isolate for 14 days. If traveled to a country with Level 2 advisory or cruise, limit interactions for 14 days #coronavirus @ActionNewsJax @WOKVNews pic.twitter.com/rNsTS2BCbh
— Jamarlo Phillips (@JamarloANjax) March 9, 2020
Publix Supermarket stores across the city of Jacksonville are now limiting customers to two of certain items, such as hand sanitzier.
Customers are limited to buying two of the following items:
- Hand soaps and sanitizers
- Rubbing alcohol
- Facial masks & gloves
- Disinfectant wipes and spray
- Aerosol disinfectant sprays
- Facial tissue
- Cups/plates/utensils
- Bleach
The limits are in place until further notice.
On Saturday, Publix sent out a statement saying it is also ending free food sampling until further notice.
Meantime Roy Turner, who is a local painter, says he doesn’t take any chances when it comes to keeping his hands clean.
“If you are very conscious of germs you will do that anyway,” said Turner.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says it does not recommend using face masks as a preventative measure.
“We’ll get over this,” Turner said.
Still - that hasn’t stopped people from buying them.
The CDC says washing your hands with soap and water is way more effective than hand sanitizer. But when water isn’t available, hand sanitizer is a good way to slow or prevent the spread of viruses.
© 2020 Cox Media Group
