Virus profiteers hurting society’s most vulnerable

ABBOTSFORD (NEWS 1130) – With people buying vital hygiene related items in bulk and selling them at big profits during the COVID-19 pandemic, some vulnerable people are feeling left behind.

One of those people left disappointed by the behaviour he’s seeing is Abbotsford man Kevin Roy, who deals with multiple disabilities.

Right now he’s struggling to get the basics.

“Mostly frustrated, probably a little nervous,” Roy says of how he’s feeling. “If the epidemic does become to the point where they make you stay quarantined at home, there’s no way I’m going to be very prepared.”

We’ve all seen the memes and videos on social media, showing people fighting over toilet paper. There have also been the pictures of store shelves wiped clean for similar items.

Related video: Don’t panic shop because of COVID-19, expert says

 

But basics like these are essential for Roy — who uses a wheelchair — and he’s having trouble trying to get them as people buy these items to make a profit — or simply to hoard.

“When I try to do general, normal shopping throughout the month, that’s difficult enough,” says Roy. “But when you go to the store, and there’s no bathroom tissue available, it kind of puts a much larger strain on my lifestyle.”

He’s asking you to only buy what you need for you and your family — no more. Experts have also said it’s always a good idea to be prepared with a few days’ worth of frozen foods or canned items, but at this point, panic buying is unnecessary.

-With files from Meghan Groff, 95.7 NEWS

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today