Brits have spent over $1.16 billion USD on food amidst the coronavirus outbreak, which has infected over 5000 people in their country.
Despite the fact that the officials have told Brits to stop stockpiling, residents all over Britain are continuously buying goods in massive amounts.
According to Helen Dickson, the Chief Executive of British Retail Consortium, there is a lot of food in the supply chain.
Dickson added, “Brits have a billion pounds more food in their homes than they did three weeks ago, so we need to make sure we eat some of it.”
Helen wanted to make sure that worried residents of the country know that there is still food, water, and all other necessities in the country.
Officials said that the goods industry is experiencing a demand, which is being compared to Christmas, without the planning.
Helen said that the government had to manage the demand in just 2 weeks.
The total number of cases in the United Kingdom has passed the 5000 mark.
Panic buyers are currently being targeted on social media, where users are saying that they should be ashamed for causing shortages for the elderly and other people.
George Eustice, the environment secretary of the country, said that there was no shortage of food in the country amidst the coronavirus outbreak.
Secretary Eustice said that manufacturers have increased production by 50 percent.
Grocery hoarding is leaving empty shelves for people that are working constantly to fight the virus.
Not only them, but elderly people are also being left to look at empty shelves.
Earlier, a critical care nurse broke down in tears as she pleaded for people to stop stockpiling because it leaves them with no choices.
51-year-old Dawn Bilbrough made the emotional appeal in a minute-long video that she shared on social media.
At the end of her 48-hour shift, she failed to buy basic foods that she and her family needed.
Earlier, an elderly woman was caught on cam walking through an empty aisle in a supermarket.
During a press conference at the Daily Downing Street, Mr. Eustice said that the message to the public was to be responsible when they are shopping.
They added, “Be responsible when you shop and think of others. Buying more than you need means others may be left without. We all have a role to play in ensuring we all come through this together.”
The minister also said that everyone needs to play their part in the pandemic.
As of writing this article, 308,564 have contracted the coronavirus.
The virus has killed 13,069 people all over the world.