Coronavirus fears spark run on paper goods in Bethesda

Empty hand wipe shelves at
Safeway

Despite assurances from President Donald Trump, Vice-President Mike Pence, Gov. Larry Hogan and Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich that the COVID-19 coronavirus is not currently a significant threat to County residents, concern in Bethesda appears to be rising alongside the American death toll from the novel virus. No coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Montgomery County or the District so far, but news of cases and deaths in other states over the last 48 hours have noticeably boosted fears beyond the level they were at in my Sunday report.

Shoppers at the Giant in the Westwood Shopping Center cleared the shelves of almost all toilet paper Monday. No cellophane-wrapped multi-packs of tissues (Kleenex or other brands) were left, but single boxes remained of some brands. Paper towels were still in good supply at the store, however. In fact, the store remained well-stocked in virtually all other departments. Just about everything you usually would buy is still fully-stocked at that Giant location.

Hand wipes and Clorox-style disinfecting cloths are now virtually impossible to find at stores in Bethesda and countywide, from what I have seen personally and heard from other shoppers. The shortages extend from grocery and drug stores to the Rockville Target to online.