President calls on citizens to refrain from panic buying
As shelves in major retailers ran low on several items, including toilet paper and sanitisers, President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on citizens to refrain from stockpiling on groceries as government intensifies its efforts to contain the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
The President said this when he met with leaders of all political parties at Tuynhuys, in Cape Town, on Wednesday, to discuss the response to the virus, which he declared a national disaster on Sunday.
“We call on all citizens to refrain from making excessive purchases.
“It is important to understand that the supply of goods remains continuous, supply chains remain intact, and there is no need for stockpiling of any items,” he said.
The message was echoed by leaders of opposition parties, including DA leader John Steenhuisen.
Steenhuisen also called on the private sector to get involved in efforts to tackle the virus and added that their role was critical as the virus had the potential to negatively impact the economy.
“The second appeal I would like to make is to our fellow citizens out there to stop the panic buying. It is not necessary.
“We can beat this virus and we can get through this but it is going to require all of us to be calm, but deliberative in our approach,” he said.
