The outbreak of the novel strain of the coronavirus (COVID-19) has led to “panic buying” as consumers have been racing to stores to stock up on staples.

Many supermarkets have begun restricting the sale of certain goods and have sold out supplies of several items, including hand sanitizer, bleach and toilet paper.

The issue has been occurring across the country, and many parts of the world, including in Europe and Australia.

There appears to be a need to address panic supermarket buying. If we are shutting down almost everything to discourage human contact, why are crowded supermarkets OK?

It's noted that schools, colleges, sports events and Broadway theaters have gone dark as social distancing has become a national priority.

Yet, the supermarkets are overcrowded with people who are close together, panic buying. Every shopper who is in a supermarket overpacked with shoppers is increasing the chances of getting infected and infecting others.

It's time for the issue to be addressed.

There is no need to buy more than needed. A sneeze and cough in an overpacked supermarket is just as bad as a sneeze in a school, Broadway show or train.

Supermarkets need to let people know that there is no need to hoard groceries and essentials. They won't run out of food.

Measures have to be put in place whereby supermarkets and on online delivery companies have to make sure that they can meet the demands of a growing number of people who will be in self-isolation. We need to reassure people that if they are placed in isolation they won't starve.

We can beat coronavirus if people don't infect others. As part of the plan to stop the spread of the virus, we must find a way to end panic shopping.