Daily headlines about novel coronavirus over the past couple of weeks appear to have prompted increased sales of hand disinfectant in Finland, according to pharmacies and retailers.
For example, pharmacy chain Yliopiston Apteekki reports that demand for liquid sanitiser has risen sharply in the past week. Sales of the disinfectant product have also been brisk at stores run by the retailer K-Group.
However, a sanitiser shortage does not appear to be imminent, as there's more in storage, according to the firms.
Product manager at retail cooperative S-Group,Anu Hammarén, said sales of disinfectant products have tripled over the past week.
"As a result [of the sales], there may be some shortfall on store shelves. More products will be brought to stores as we get more in stock," Hammarén said.
Last Friday it was reported that a tourist in Lapland had tested positive for novel corona virus - which on Monday evening remained the only known case of the illness in Finland.
Finland's National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) has advised the best way for people to protect themselves and others from germs and viruses in general is to maintain good hand hygiene as well as to appropriately shield coughs and sneezes.
THL said people should wash their hands regularly with soap and water and to use alcohol-based hand sanitisers as needed.
