Fears of the coronavirus and possible quarantines are sending shoppers to grocery stores in Cumberland County in masses. They are stock piling on meats, cleaning supplies and toilet paper.

Even as grocery stores limit their hours in an effort to try to have time to restock and clean, lines formed in heavy rainfall in Crossville this morning when some opened.

Here is a status report of the grocery stores in Cumberland County. PLEASE KNOW THIS REPORT IS OF 9:45 a.m. CENTRAL THIS MORNING (Tuesday, March 17, 2020) and is subject to change by supplies at any time.

WALMART – Some meats including chicken are out. Walmart has a truck delivered every day and the crew is working hard to replenish supplies. “The customers are buying more than we can put out. We are out of sugar, beans, rice and water at this time but more is coming to restock.”

SAVE-A-LOT – There is meat left, no toilet paper and they are low on can goods at this time. They are getting a truck tomorrow (Wednesday, March 18, 2020) and again on Friday.

UGO (Woodmere Mall) – They have meat and toilet paper in stock at this time. They do have a truck set for arrival this afternoon and will restock. There is a limit of 4 packs of toilet paper per customer.

FOOD CITY (Crossville and Fairfield Glade) – Trucks are coming in almost daily to restock with meats, toilet paper and supplies. Both stores are doing their best to keep items stocked. There is a limit on cleaning supplies and toilet paper to two each per customer.

KROGER –  Very little toilet paper and meat as of this morning. There was a truck being processed as of 9 a.m. this morning with supplies so limited restocking will take place. There is a limit of 3 packs of toilet paper per customer.

PRICE LESS IGA (Main Street next to Dominos Pizza) – Good shape so far. Staff is staying busy stocking. There is no limits on purchases for now but could be put into play if needed.

Customers presently can expect lines at the registers and limitations on certain products and food to be enforced. Grocery store officials ask the public to be mindful of the limitations and do not attempt to go over the limits.

But why the rush and why the stockpile from customers?

Every grocery store in Cumberland County reported they receive trucks to replenish their supplies….some daily and some twice a week. It is a matter of supply and demand. It is the demand right now causing sights that we have not seen before, even if a major hurricane or snow storm threatened. The supply is having a very hard time catching up to demand.

The demand is being fueled by fears of a total shutdown. So far, that is not being discussed in the state. Many state and county entities have taken measures for social distancing but not when it comes to grocery stores.

The message now is simple. Yes be aware of the coronavirus situation, take steps to stay healthy but at the same time be compassionate in getting supplies.

The elderly for example are at risk for the coronavirus. Some are even afraid to venture out because of the crowds at the stores. Dollar General said yesterday they are dedicating their first hour of operation each day where the elderly can come shop.

A worker at Walmart told 105.7 News this morning one person came in and filled their buggy to the top with chicken they just put out, clearing out the small section that was stocked.

This story will end with this simple saying:

“Something incredible happens when fear and anxiety are replaced with acts of kindness and compassion”