Coronavirus buying frenzy prompts Publix to limit purchases of soaps and other goods

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Publix limited the purchase of certain health and cleaning related items amid a coronavirus-induced buying frenzy.

As of Friday, customers can only buy two of any individual item set aside in Publix’s guidelines, said Maria Brous, a Publix spokesperson.

The items include:

• Hand soaps and sanitizers
• Rubbing alcohol
• Facial masks and gloves
• Disinfectant wipes and sprays
• Aerosol disinfectant sprays
• Facial tissues
• Cups, plates and utensils
• Bleach

The limits apply to all Publix locations and will continue until further notice, Brous said.

The buying frenzy, which began around when Florida’s first positive coronavirus cases were announced, also pushed the State Attorney’s Office to monitor price gouging. The office was reaching out to retailers to make sure Floridians could afford needed health products and said they would pursue important complaints they received.

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