Gov. Doug Ducey urged calm at grocery stores as the state takes more significant measures to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
Speaking at a press conference at St. Mary’s Food Bank on Friday, Ducey said fear was driving people to buy more than they really need — and that has led to empty shelves, not a slowdown in production.
“There is not a shortage of toilet paper or hand sanitizer or bottled water. This has been binge-buying. It typically takes two trucks to restock a grocery store. Today, in this environment, it’s taking 12 trucks," Ducey said.
The governor encouraged residents to buy only what they need, not additional supplies except in the case of prescription drugs.
On Thursday, Ducey activated the National Guard to help grocery stores and food banks keep shelves stocked while demand is high. He has also ordered restaurants closed to dine-in customers in counties with confirmed cases of the virus as well as other non-essential businesses.
