'Panic buying' blamed for hand sanitizer shortage in local stores

There's a spike in demand for hand sanitizers across the country - even here at home.

Action News New Jafet Serrato checked out several stores in Chico and spoke to people about how they feel about the shortage.

In demand for hand sanitizers across the country - even here at home.

Action news now reporter jafet serrato checked out several stores in chico.

He talked to people about how they feel about the shortage.

Hand sanitizers - millions of people use them every day.

These are something i keep on hand all the time" but some stores in chico are running out.

(pat conley:) "surprising they should have a hell of a lot more out" take a look at this empty walmart shelf.

It's normally packed with hand sanitzier - now?

Empty (sam miller:) "i guess its a little bit worry some."

Sam miller lives in chico - he's worried the coronavirus will soon be in our area.

(sam miller:) "i think its spreading fast enough and it has the potential to be a pretty big problem."

Over at winco - employees posted this sign limiting how much you can buy - not just hand sanitizer but other cleaning supplies as well.

(sam miller:) "i think its definitely ok to be too prepared especially with how many deaths there have been with coronavirus."

I checked with target and walgreens - both also out of hand sanitizers.

(standup:) (anne wheelock:) "if you can just don't go to crowds.

Don't go to any crowd of people.

I would avoid concerts" (pat conley:) "if i get it i get it if i dont i dont" in chico, jafet serrato action news now coverage you can count on!

We checked - the walmarts in oroville and redding are also completely out of hand sanitizers.

Employees told us they do not know when they'll be getting more.

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