The confirmation of at least one Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) case has sparked panic buying across Georgetown, leaving a number of businesses completely out of stock of some essential disinfectants and cleaning supplies since Wednesday.
Even before the announcement that samples taken from the 52-year-old woman who had died at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) had tested positive, thereby confirming the first case, persons had already begun panic buying.
And in many supermarkets and pharmacies in Georgetown yesterday, persons were seen buying cartloads of canned goods, toilet paper, tissue, rice and flour, among dozens of other products that they decided were essential. Many supermarkets reported that their stocks of disinfectants had vastly diminished and as a result, persons began purchasing anything that had traces of alcohol. Some reported that their stock of high wine had also sold out.