Looking for hand sanitizer? Coronavirus creates a run on supplies at Bradenton stores

Products typically used for killing germs in the house or sanitizing hands are running low, if not completely sold out at several retail outlets across Bradenton and Manatee County because of coronavirus.

Stores were already reporting brisk sales on masks and hand sanitizers in early February before Florida even reported its first case. of coronavirus, or COVID-19. After the confirmation Sunday from Gov. Ron DeSantis that a Manatee County man was infected, it was almost almost impossible to find sanitizing items on local shelves Tuesday.

“We sold 50 bottles of alcohol yesterday alone,” said a Bradenton CVS manager who declined to be identified.

CVS was already having trouble meeting demand and began shipping masks and hand sanitizers to stores in high-risk areas. Now that the virus has been confirmed in Manatee, “I hope they will redirect some of those things to us, but I haven’t been told anything yet.”

It’s not just masks and hand sanitizers. People are buying up rubbing alcohol, Lysol products, sanitizing wipes and just about anything that will kill germs.

Customers who were flocking to Sam’s Club reported the same shortages. The only thing left on shelves that could be considered as a potential sanitizing option was nail polish remover.

“But they were dwindling, too,” said Claire Ashoff.

Management at Sam’s Club declined to speak and could not provide any information when new stocks might be available.

Ashoff said she’s seen the recent stories on how to make your own hand sanitizer and read that the primary ingredient is alcohol. She had a few of the small bottles in her cart, “But I see how people can be when they get scared. Look at what happened during Hurricane Irma and store shelves emptied. I only bought a few. I didn’t want to be selfish.”

The CDC recommends that if you are making your own sanitizing solution, that it should be made up of 60 percent alcohol. Another common ingredient to mix into either isopropyl or ethyl alcohol is aloe vera gel. Experts advise if you are making a homemade solution, to not wipe your hands dry. Let them air dry.

This story was originally published March 3, 2020 at 1:48 PM.