Kenyans jam supermarkets in panic shopping over coronavirus fears

Kenyans jam supermarkets in panic shopping over coronavirus fears

A sizeable number of Kenyans in Nairobi went into a frenzy and flocked supermarkets and shopping malls after Friday’s announcement on coronavirus.

There was a flurry of activities in shopping complexes within the country with several supermarkets experiencing long queues.

Some supermarkets are said to have extended shopping hours beyond 8pm to accommodate the increasing numbers.

Other retailers had to limit the number of sanitizers to two per person after demand surged as Kenyans began to put into effect preventive measures against the virus.

Tuskys supermarket confirmed the surge in shopping indicating that it had noticed a sharp floor traffic arising from panic shopping.

In a statement, Tuskys CEO Dan Githua said they have consulted with their suppliers and are assured of receiving steady supplies at standard prices.

The Competition Authority of Kenya also sent out a cautionary notice warning manufacturers and retailers against hoarding supplies to spike commodity prices.

Health professionals advise that if you can’t wash your hands with soap and water, hand sanitizers are a fine substitute.

“But it’s always best to wash with soap and water after a few pumps of sanitizer — gels won’t clean your hands like washing them will,” CNN says as quoted from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Whether it’s a spray-type hand sanitizer or gel, make sure both of your hands are covered — including between the fingers and under the nails — and rubbed until dry.

Also, if your hands are visibly dirty or greasy, hand sanitizer may not be as effective, according to the CDC.

Additional reporting from CNN

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