SOME supermarkets have begun limiting the amount of hand sanitiser customers can buy after shoppers and retailers report a sky rocket in demand due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The moves were put in place after a spate of what appeared to be ‘panic buying’ of the items along with toilet rolls and paracetamol in the wake of a growing number of coronvirus cases in the UK.

In Worcester, Asda in St Martin’s Gate has introduced a two bottle limit on hand sanitiser however, Sainsbury’s say they have put no restrictions in place.

Andrew Opie, director of Food & Sustainability at the British Retail Consortium, said: “While the supply of most products, including fresh food remain as normal, some shops are limiting the sale of a small number of other goods. These limits are proportionate to the needs of households while also ensuring that everyone has access to these items. Supply chains remain robust and even where there are challenges, retailers are well-versed in providing effective measures to keep retail sites running smoothly.”

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Readers of our Facebook page shared their thoughts on the situation.

Ann Chadney said: “Do these stupid panic buyers realise how difficult it’s making it for people wanting or needing some of these items in a normal weekly shop for them now it’s all sold out!!! I call it selfish!”

Sally Morris said: “Amazing that so many people have just realised washing hands is a good thing.” Alan Cox said: “I blame the supermarkets. They should stop these people at the checkout.”

Katie Bradley said: “This is genuinely annoying I am a carer in the community and am literally down to my last hand sanitiser and planned to pick two up the other day at Aldi in St Peters and they had completely sold out. It’s utterly ridiculous.”