Cleaning Supplies Wiped Out In Bridgewater Over Coronavirus Fears

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — As fear of the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, continues to spread Bridgewater, shoppers are beginning to clear the local store shelves of cleaning supplies.

On Thursday, cleaning supplies such as Lysol and Clorox were wiped out at Target in the Bridgewater Promenade.

"It's nuts," said a shopper in the Target aisle. "This is why people are freaking out when they see the shelves empty like this."

A Target manager at the Bridgewater location could not be reached for comment.

Shoppers could also be seen frantically stocking up on bottled water and more cleaning products at Costco in the Bridgewater Promenade earlier this week.

Not all stores were wiped out. The ShopRite in Somerville had a special display of Clorox, Lysol and other cleaning products for shoppers on Thursday.

On Wednesday night authorities announced that the first presumptive positive case of the coronavirus was identified at Hackensack University Medical Center in New Jersey. Another suspected case in New Jersey is also under investigation. (See Related: More Details On Presumptive Positive Case of Coronavirus In NJ)

Murphy, who is recovering from kidney tumor surgery, urged residents to "remain calm and use resources from the New Jersey Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control to prepare and prevent the spread of infection."

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention offered these tips to prevent the spread of the illness:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
  • CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
  • Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

Click here for more information on the coronavirus.

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