BALTIMORE — People across the country are flocking to grocery stores loading up on items amid growing concerns over the coronavirus, leading to long lines, empty shelves and frustrated customers.
"It's like what do we do. We don't know where you are supposed to go,” said shopper Rachel Silhavy.
"I think it's going overboard,” said Colleen Wagner, who was shopping with Silhavy at a Walmart in Towson.
Many items such as toilet paper, bottled water and hand sanitizer are sold out. At the Giant on York road on the Baltimore city/county line and at the Walmart, Weis and Target in Towson—all of those things are gone.
"Everywhere, even the drug stores are sold out of everything,” Silhavy said adding it was a two hour wait in line at Giant on York Rd.
At Target in Towson, “there's rules about how many wipes you can buy,” said Allison Haynes
The virus causing a lot of anxiety and panic. In Arizona, the lines at a Costco wrapped around the building as people rushed to stock up on supplies. Even abroad in Australia, women were captured on video fighting over toilet paper.
“I don’t see why we are using a bunch of toilet paper any more than we should have been,” said Haynes.
The Maryland Emergency Management Agency sent us a list of things you can do to prepare for the virus.
How can I be more prepared for COVID-19?
• Have an adequate supply of nonprescription drugs and other health supplies on hand, including pain relievers, stomach remedies, cough and cold medicines
• Check your regular prescription drugs to make sure you have an adequate supply; refill your prescriptions if needed
• Have a thermometer, tissues and hand sanitizer in case you become ill and must stay at home to recover
• Talk with family members and loved ones about how they would be cared for if they got sick and what will be needed to care for them at home
• Have a two-week supply of water and food available at home
The agency is also asking for people to stop hoarding.
"I think they need to leave some for somebody I mean get enough for your self. But, be a little mindful that other people need it too, said Janetta Hamlet who was able to buy paper towels at a local Family Dollar.
