FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (WSVN) - The scramble to stock up is leaving store shelves bare across South Florida. Cleaning supplies and paper products are difficult to find.
Many shoppers are going to stores in an attempt to stock up in fear of contracting the coronavirus and ultimately having to be quarantined.
A Costco in Davie had several long lines both inside the store, as well as lines of people outside waiting for their turn to shop.
Shopping carts were filled with toilet paper, water, paper plates and different food items. Shoppers said they were trying to get enough to last at least two weeks.
“We don’t know if they’re gonna put us in quarantine,” Luis Pantin said. “You never know. It’s better to be prepared than not prepared.”
Many shoppers said they were not overly concerned or in a panic, but they want to be prepared just in case.
“I’m not afraid of it, but I don’t wanna take a chance,” Debbie Beaudet said.
When asked if he was buying in fear of being quarantined, Andrew Borowiec responded, “No, not really. There’s not much in there to buy extra. The paper goods are all gone, so if you don’t want to stock up and just need paper towels, you’re out of luck.”
“The stores are gonna be open for food,” Maria Vallescura said. “There’s no need to panic like this, it’s incredible.”
“I just spent $135 in cat food,” said shopper Cheryl Busch. “I just wanted to make sure, you know. I can live on bread and water, they gotta have their cat food.”
In anticipation for the large crowds, Publix Super Markets’ CEO, Todd Jones, released a statement that read in part, “We are working tirelessly to have the items you need on our shelves. We have applied purchase limits on some key items to allow more customers to get what they need.”
Like Publix, several other stores are placing limits on the amount of items customers can buy so that the highest number of customers receive those items they need.
At a Target in Fort Lauderdale, people have bought out all the cold and cough medicine as well as paper towels.
While the fear of the virus may be stressful for some, shoppers say it’s important to be patient and kind.
“It’s a global thing. All the world is taking care, so we should all take care,” Silvia Pantin said.
Remember, the state of Florida has activated a 24-hour hotline for people with coronavirus questions and concerns. Just call 1-866-779-6121.
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