Residents of Hinckley have been stockpiling due to fears of the Covid-19 coronavirus potentially hitting the town.

In the town of Hinckley, residents have been ‘panic buying’, stockpiling and bulk buying essential household items, such as toilet rolls, hand gels, long-lasting milk, tinned foods and pasta due to the fears of the coronavirus.

The reason behind the sudden ‘panic buying’ is in case they have to self-quarantine for the recommended time of two weeks.

Locally in the town, supermarket shelves have been emptied of toilet roll in Sainsbury’s, Aldi and Morrisons.

There is also no hand gel or hand wash on shelves in Aldi or Morrisons – this is because washing your hands prevents the virus from spreading.

Tesco taking a ‘common-sense approach’

British supermarket giant, Tesco, have introduced plans on selected items. They have taken a ‘common-sense approach’ to make sure that everyone can assess the essentials with a purchase limit of five items per customer on selected items.

Tesco’s list of selected items include anti-bacterial products, dried pasta and UHT milk.

A statement from The BRC

Hinckley Free Press approached The British Retail Consortium for comment, who have big name retailers as their members, even Asda ‘stand behind this statement’.

The BRC have issued a statement on behalf of their members.

Helen Dickinson OBE, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium, said:

“Our members are working hard to ensure consumers have access to the products they need.

“Even where there are challenges, retailers are well-versed in providing effective measures to keep retail sites running smoothly, and they are working with suppliers to increase the supply of goods.

“Retailers are currently facing a rise in demand for certain products unprecedented outside of the Christmas period. However, this is largely been limited to hygiene and longer shelf-life food products.

“The BRC and its members are also working with the Government to find ways to mitigate the impact of coronavirus. Together we are looking at ways of supporting all consumers, including those who are self-isolating.

“The BRC has given government a list of regulations where relaxation would ease pressure in the supply chain, including extending drivers hours and giving flexibility on delivery times to stores.

“Meanwhile, we urge all customers to follow Public Health England’s advice: to wash hands frequently with hot water and soap for 20 seconds or use alcohol hand gel.”

Residents of the Hinckley have commented on the matter. You can read their responses below.

Thoughts on the matter

Eva Kulik said: “Boots, Wilko, Superdrug and Sainsburys, it’s the same with hand sanitiser.

“Mark my words – after that all coronavirus stupidity, shops will have overstock of hand wash, soap and all-hand wash and sanitiser-stuff, back to normal, dirty hands.”

Emily O’Neill said: “This is really selfish especially to the elderly who only do one or two shops a week with a carer for example because they can’t get out.

“Some people can’t just pop in as and when. For them to be left with nothing must be distressing.

“Even for people that suffer with anxiety it must be distressing. It’s not fair having to go from one store to another.

“As well with the hand wash, the fact that people can no longer get it means they will more likely pass something on. People should be donating to those missing out on bare essentials!”