Coronavirus panic-buying creates massive lineups at Metro Vancouver stores

Growing COVID-19 fears have led to panic-buying in grocery stores across Metro Vancouver.

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Photos and videos being shared across Metro Vancouver show empty shelves and lineups that curl around the stores.

#Costco lineup in #downtown vancouver today. Line went back to the back of the store, like as in, last aisle. Busy but also eerily quiet too. pic.twitter.com/nCBC2giEku

— Crystal Kwon (@crystal_kwon) March 13, 2020

Update from Burnaby Costco March 12, 2030 8:50PM. Fish and meat – gone. Toilet paper etc – gone for days. Everything else is more or less still here. Line-ups to cashiers start at the meat section from r/vancouver

There is not a single toilet paper roll available at Superstore on Marine Drive from r/vancouver

Other posts shared on Friday morning showed a lineup of customers waiting for the Costco in downtown Vancouver to open.

Line up with carts waiting for Costco doors to open here in downtown Vancouver. Haven’t seen this before.#CoronaVirus #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/NtvGhM6cDI

— Brent Toderian (@BrentToderian) March 13, 2020

Here is the current situation at Costco in downtown Vancouver 20 minutes before opening this morning. About 50 people here so far. #Vancouver #CoronaVirusCanada #covid19Canada pic.twitter.com/pYRW0ZLQxK

— Brad Tribbeck (@bradtribbeck) March 13, 2020

The federal government is reminding Canadians, however, to gradually stock up on essentials rather than to panic-buy.

“It is easier on the supply chain if people gradually build up their household stores instead of making large-scale purchases all at once,” reads the Government of Canada website.

Non-perishable food items such as dried pasta and sauce, canned soups, and canned beans and vegetables are highly recommended.

It’s also recommended to have extra stores of pet food, toilet paper, facial tissue, feminine hygiene products, and diapers, for anyone with young children.

With coronavirus on the rise, the BC Ministry of Health is reminding individuals who attend events and large gatherings to monitor their health for signs and symptoms of COVID-19. And if you’re not feeling well, they recommend staying home at this time. Also, due to unexpected cancellations, please check the event you plan to attend is still taking place. Keep up with COVID-19 news here.