Panic buying puts many in more danger

Perth and Kinross residents panic buying items such as antibacterial gel in the wake of the coronvirus crisis have been warned they could be putting lives at risk.

Cancer fighter Fi Munro has said that those whose immune system is compromised need antibacterial gel and similar items to help their bodies avoid infection.

Brave Fi, from Perthshire, dubbed those who have bought gel in bulk and are selling it at inflated prices as “disgusting” and has called on more education to help protect the public from viruses and illness.

Writing on her blog, Fi said: “Many immunocompromised people (myself included) can’t buy antibacterial gel they need every day of their lives because people have stock piled.

“Don’t even get me started on the disgusting humans who are selling it for ridiculous prices on eBay.

“Isn’t it sad that this outbreak is showing us some of the worst traits of human society.”

Fi was diagnosed with stage four ovarian cancer four years ago.

And she admitted not having a special fear of COVID-19 because she has to “face death every single day.”

She adds: “Coronavirus does not change that for me. It doesn’t make my fear, or likeliness, of death more prominent... it’s prominent enough.

“Since having my spleen removed 3.5 years ago I’ve been immunocompromised meaning that seasonal flu, mumps, measles, chicken pox and many other ‘every day’ conditions could kill me.

“Spending my life in fear of this isn’t going to do me any favours... or save my life for that matter ...instead I chose to be proactive with common sense and good hygiene.

“It’s literally all I can do!

“I’ve worked in infection control and have a good understanding of how to wash my hands correctly and practice effective measures to limit the spread of pathogens. I do this anyway.

“Not just when there is a virus risk.”

Saying that it is fear driving people to stock up on items such as toilet paper, she said: “Driving change based on fear never works. Change should be driven by information and education.

“Empowering people with information on how to practice effective hand cleanliness and take appropriate hygiene measures is much more effective.

“So is educating people on how viruses spread by using easy to understand resources - again, not by using fear.”