Nottingham-based online pharmacy UK Meds sold 75 litres of hand sanitiser in just 24 hours – as people across the country continue the fight against coronavirus.
On Monday (9 March), the company reported that its customers purchased 1,000 bottles of its 75ml instant hand sanitiser, with its antibacterial wipes and alcohol hand rub also selling out in a matter of days.
It comes after UK Meds announced that hygiene face masks had become the fastest-selling item on its website, with sales for the product increased by a staggering 8,000% across all ranges and grades throughout February.
Joe Soiza, managing director at UK Meds, based in Castle Marina, Nottingham, said: “Coronavirus is spreading quickly so, naturally, people are looking to protect themselves. Health officials are continuing to urge the public to wash their hands to help stop the spread, and hand sanitiser can be useful if you don’t have quick access to a sink, for example, when using public transport or when out at events.
“Fears about the virus have created a national shortage of hand sanitiser products up and down the UK, and we have certainly experienced increased demand for on-the-go alternatives, such as anti-bacterial hand gel. We haven’t advertised our products – people have been finding us as they have been searching on Google. As such, we have placed a limit on the number of bottles of hand sanitiser customers can purchase in order to prevent stockpiling.”
Established in May 2016, UK Meds operates nationally, selling lifestyle products and prescription-only medicines.
Shyam Morjaria, the superintendent pharmacist at UK Meds, said: “Many people who have been infected are recovering from coronavirus, but it can be life-threatening or serious for high-risk groups such as older people, and those with pre-existing medical conditions (including asthma, diabetes and heart disease).
“While this strain of the virus is so new, and health and medical experts are still working to understand it better, the general advice is that risk of exposure commences after being within two metres of an infected person for longer than 15 minutes.
“When it comes to protecting yourself against COVID-19, your first choice should be soap and water, however, if you’re out and about, it’s useful to have a bottle of hand gel with you as this will kill germs and eliminate bacteria without the need for water.”
If you show symptoms of coronavirus – such as a cough, fever or difficulty breathing – it’s important you don’t go to a medical facility in person. Call 111, share your travel history and follow the advice given.
