Hand sanitizer, face masks, hand soap, latex gloves, disinfectant wipes and sprays are among the items running out of stock across stores in Burlington.
Target, CVS and Walgreens have all sold out of these items as residents try to keep from being infected by the coronavirus, also known as COVID-19.
The CVS on University Drive, approximately three miles from campus, received a shipment of hand sanitizer and soaps on Monday, March 9. The store was sold out in two days and according to pharmacy manager, Susan Walsh, the store is not expecting to be restocked until Monday, March 23.
The Target, also on University Drive, had just received a new shipment of face masks: however, there were less than two boxes each with one face mask on the shelves. The pharmacist was "unsure" about when the next shipment of hand sanitizer or soap would arrive.
Face masks at Walgreens on South Church Street are currently on back order, and the store is sold out of masks, gloves and disinfectant sprays and wipes.
Because of the high demand and shortage of supplies, Target and CVS has placed limits on how many items can be purchased at a time. CVS is capping hand sanitizer purchases at five units, while Target is only allowing customers to buy up to six "disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizers and hand and face wipes" per trip. Walgreens has not issued a limit at this time.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has encouraged increased hand washing and use of hand sanitizer to prevent the spread of the virus; however, it is not currently recommending the use of face masks, as the national shortage takes away from health professionals.