German supermarkets report coronavirus panic buying
Although ministers have repeatedly warned against coronavirus hysteria, some supermarkets have reported customers bulk buying supplies. In Germany, the number of cases has almost doubled in a day to 129.Germans are slowly coming to realize that they, just like 50 other nations in the world today, could soon be facing a coronavirus epidemic. Indeed, the pathogen has become a major topic of discussion in the country – so much so, in fact, that some residents are now stockpiling food out of fear they could be placed under quarantine.
Bulk-buying supplies
On Friday, a spokeswoman for one of the country’s largest supermarket groups, REWE, told DW that while they didn’t register any panic at the start of the week, the situation quickly changed.
“We have noticed rising foodstuff and canned goods purchases across the entire country to which we are adapting accordingly,” said Kristina Schütz from REWE Group, which is headquartered in Cologne and runs the Penny, REWE and Nahkauf grocery chains.
Discount chain Lidl has recorded a similar spike in purchases, with a spokesperson confirming that “we are noticing a rise in sales in certain regions and stores.” According to the chains, Germans are stockpiling long-lasting and canned food, pasta as well as toilet paper and disinfectants.