The demand for hand sanitizers has skyrocketed since the coronavirus outbreak hit the U.S., with sellers rationing supplies and ramping up production, reports CBS News.
Four more people died from the virus in Washington State, bringing the total number of reported deaths in the U.S. to six. The Washington State deaths are the first reported in the country.
The global death toll from the virus passed 3,000 on Monday.
Health experts are urging the public to stay home if they feel sick, and to continuously clean their hands with either soap or hand sanitizer, though many stores have sold out of the product.
Clorox, which makes disinfecting wipes and disinfectant cleaner with bleach, on Monday said it had increased production of its products, and “monitoring the issue closely in order to be prepared to meet the needs of people, retailers, health care facilities and communities,"
"Many Clorox disinfecting products have demonstrated effectiveness against viruses similar to this coronavirus strain on nonporous surfaces,” a company spokesperson said in an email.
Purell maker Gojo Industries also said it had ramped up production.
"We are seeing increased demand for our hygiene products, including hand sanitizer, hand soap, hand sanitizing wipes and surface disinfection spray," a spokesperson said in an email.
Shoppers Monday were increasingly finding empty shelves of products to help protect against an outbreak, and many third-party sellers online were selling sanitizers at high prices.
On Amazon Friday, a pack of two 12-ounce bottles of Purell were being sold for $49.99.
Solange Reyner ✉
Solange Reyner is a writer and editor for Newsmax. She has more than 15 years in the journalism industry reporting and covering news, sports and politics.
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