Rapid increase in sales of Vitamin C and hand sanitizers
-as country’s first coronavirus case is reported
DPI, Guyana, Thursday, March 12, 2020
Following the confirmation of Guyana’s first case of imported Novel Coronavirus, pharmacies and supermarkets alike have experienced an influx of customers since purchasing hand sanitizers, face masks, vitamin C supplements.
Located on Mandela Avenue, Essential Care Pharmacy has seen hundreds of customers since the announcement.
Owner Deonarine Etwaru told DPI, “Since yesterday the rush started [and] persons [were] coming to buy their stocks, especially vitamins, face masks and other supplements to keep them going and boost their immune system.”
Dominic Brown, a pharmacy assistant at Aubrey Barker’s Neighbourhood Express Pharmacy, said sales have rapidly increased. “Business has been crazy. Right now, we are sold out. We are now trying to source stuff to restock. But even this morning we had people coming by buses and big vehicles,” Brown said.
Also situated on Aubrey Barker, Andrew’s Supermarket saw a crowd of customers. Stacy Burnette, a supervisor at the establishment, updated DPI on the sales.
“Our Lysol products, Lysol spray, Dettol soap, Dettol wash, [and] all [similar products] have sold out within an hour to two hours.”
Pharmacies and supermarkets are expecting more products throughout the day.
In an address to the nation,last evening His Excellency President David Granger advised against public gatherings and unnecessary travel and reiterated the Public Health Ministry’s call for persons to observe basic hygiene practices