Coronavirus: Shops in Scarborough sell out of hand sanitiser though NHS advice remains to use soap and water if available

Several shops in Scarborough had sold out of hand sanitiser today (Thursday March 5).
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Boots, Superdrug and Bodycare all has empty shelves where the product had been stocked and Boots and Superdrug were displaying signs saying there was a two product per customer limit.

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However, advice to the public from the NHS, Public Health England (PHE) and the World Health Organisation continues to be to wash hands with soap and water.

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According to the NHS you should wash your hands for twenty seconds - or the amount of time it takes to sing Happy Birthday twice - regularly throughout the day.

In particular before and after eating, before and after arriving and work, and care should be taken not to touch your face with unwashed hands.

Hand-washing is also the main advice from PHE to prevent the spread of coronavirus, with alcohol-based hand sanitisers – containing at least 60% alcohol – recommended for when soap and water aren’t available, for example, whilst travelling.

The symptoms of coronavirus are a cough, a high temperature and shortness of breath but these symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the virus and are indicative of other illnesses.

Shelves have been left empty in Scarborough. Picture: JPI MediaShelves have been left empty in Scarborough. Picture: JPI Media
Shelves have been left empty in Scarborough. Picture: JPI Media
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Officials are keen to stop people from stockpiling things like hand sanitiser and respiratory masks and continue to advise people to use soap and water when it is available.

There are currently no confirmed cases of covid-19 in Scarborough and the risk to the public remains moderate according to the UK Chief Medical Officers.