COVID-19 causes shortage of disinfectants in Windsor

With the total number of COVID-19 cases in Canada reaching more than 45, Canadians are taking precautionary measures to protect themselves.

Many stores that sell hand sanitizer and rubbing alcohol have had their stock completely bought out, leaving shelves at stores like Shoppers Drug Mart, Red Apple, and Dollarama bare, while other concerned citizens are left waiting for the next shipment to be delivered.

As an alternative to hand sanitizer, people have been making their own do-it-yourself concoctions using high concentration rubbing alcohol and aloe vera gel – something experts do not recommend.

Steve Erwin, communications manager for Windsor Regional Hospital said that people should “err on the side of caution” and use hand sanitizer that has been properly produced.

Erwin said if the ratio in the DIY creation is too potent with alcohol, it can be harmful to your skin; and if it’s too weak, it may not be strong enough to disinfect your hands.

Health Canada recommends isolation for those who suspect they have coronavirus, and washing your hands as the first course of action to combat it. Health Canada also said hand sanitizer should not be a substitute for washing your hands if they are dirty, and to use soap and water instead.