Droitwich pharmacist calls for calm as hand sanitiser runs low amidst coronavirus concerns - The Droitwich Standard

Droitwich pharmacist calls for calm as hand sanitiser runs low amidst coronavirus concerns

Droitwich Editorial 3rd Mar, 2020 Updated: 3rd Mar, 2020   0

PHARMACIES are running low of supplies of hand sanitiser and face masks as fears rise in Droitwich and the rest of Worcestershire over the coronavirus, writes Caprice Harrison.

It came as the number of cases of Covid-19 in the UK rose from 39 to 51 and the Government warned up to a fifth of workforces could be off ill during the peak.

Public Health England has raised the coronavirus threat level from ‘low’ to ‘moderate’ and there are reports of people panic-buying masks and hand sanitiser.

One pharmacist which spoke to the Standard – Mitesh Barla from Droitwich Pharmacy – said: “There are very few masks and we currently have no hand sanitser, we are working with suppliers to get some more.”




But Mr Barla called for calm.

“We shouldn’t be panicked – we must not be under-prepared or over-prepared.


“There’s nothing like good old soap and hot water to rid of germs, however hands must be washed on a regular basis.”

As of today, 13,911 people have been tested in the UK for the virus, 13,860 were confirmed negative and 51 were confirmed as positive.

Mr Barla added people had experienced the symptoms of coronovirus or had recently travelled back from a region suffering from a large outbreak of the virus, they must avoid contact with others and self-isolate.

Coronavirus is known to spread via cough droplets, it is common knowledge to use a tissue and dispose of it when sneezing, wiping nose or coughing, followed by washing hands.

On the Government’s website – Gov.uk – it advises most people can continue to go to work, school and other public places.

One of the best things people can do is thoroughly wash their hands with hot soapy water. The Government suggests the length of time is equivalent to ‘two times of the song Happy Birthday’.

Symptoms of the coronavirus are similar to those of a chest infection, such as, a cough, high temperature and shortness of breath.

If symptoms persist people should call the NHS 111 service immediately.

For more information visit www.nhs.co.uk or www.gov.uk/coronavirus.

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