Shoppers have been urged to stop panic buying as supermarkets, including in the Falmouth and Helston area, are being left with empty shelves.
The warning has come, from among others, Andrew Wallis, who is a Cornwall councillor for Helston and Porthleven.
He went to Helston Tesco at 6.30pm yesterday to pick up some essentials, only to discover aisle upon aisle of empty shelves.
He even met one couple who had travelled all the way from Truro to Helston in the search of toilet roll, as their local shops had run out.
People have been stockpiling liquid soap at Helston Tesco
Posting photos, he said: “Really people? Just returned from Tesco and these are a few of the shelves - pasta, toilet roll and liquid soap.
“Met one couple who had travelled from Truro to get toilet paper as shops had run out.”
Imploring people to stay sensible, he added: “No need to panic, as by hoarding or panic buying you cause others to panic and puts a massive strain of companies trying to keep stocks at a reasonable level.”
Parts of the toilet roll aisle were also wiped clear
It is a similar situation at supermarkets across Cornwall, including Falmouth and Penryn, where shelves at Asda were reportedly swept clear of some goods yesterday, following Thursday’s announcement that there was the first case of the COVID-19 strain of coronavirus confirmed in Cornwall.
Read more: Coronavirus case confirmed in Cornwall
Volunteers are already in place to deliver shopping and other essential items, such as medicine to anyone who is unable to get to the shops due to the virus.
‘Flu Friends’ is a service run by Volunteer Cornwall and has been building up a network of people around the county willing to help others who may be housebound, either due to having coronavirus or being quarantined because of potential exposure.
It might include collecting medicines or basic supplies, such as a pint of milk or loaf of bread. It will not, however, involve personal care such as cleaning or manual handling.
More people are urged to sign up by emailing mid@volunteercornwall.org.uk or calling 01872 266988, with volunteers to receive guidance on how to protect themselves and reduce the risk of catching or spreading the virus.
Read more: Cornwall Coronavirus support group set up
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