#Nassau, The Bahamas – March 18, 2020 — Prime Minister the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis appealed to Bahamians and residents to stop panic buying food and hoarding supplies in reaction to news of the COVID-19 virus.
“There
is no need for it,” the Prime Minister said on Tuesday 17 March following a
meeting with local wholesalers and suppliers at the Office of the Prime
Minister.
“I want
to assure the population that we have at least a one to three months’ supply of
food on the island and shipping continues as normal.”
Prime
Minister Minnis met with representatives of Super Value, A & M Foods, and
local wholesale distributors, including pharmaceutical wholesalers and
suppliers, on Tuesday for a briefing on the state of the country’s medicine and
food stocks and other supplies.
Medicine
supplies are also healthy, with a two months’ supply in stock and more supplies
en route, wholesalers told the Prime Minister.
Household
supplies, such as cleaners and disinfectants, are expected to be on the shelves
within days, and wholesalers are looking to build stock above the normal
levels.
The
Prime Minister reiterated that price gouging will not be tolerated and any
establishment found violating the law will be prosecuted.