Medical items such as surgical masks (pictured above) and hospital-grade disinfectants are being bought in bulk by the public due to the recent COVID-19 outbreak. As a result, immunocompromised people and the elderly are struggling to access these items that are vital to their health (Artur Bergman/Wikimedia).
In light of the global COVID-19 outbreak, many people have been stocking up on hand sanitizer, surgical masks, hospital-grade cleaning products and other medical supplies. While accumulating such items may seem beneficial to society, it has led to a shortage in medical supplies for online companies, traditional retail stores and even hospitals. That means that many individuals in dire need of these supplies, such as those with immunodeficiencies, may not have access to them.
According to the Center for Disease Control, individuals should diligently wash their hands, disinfect surfaces they come into contact with daily and stay home if they’re feeling ill. The CDC advises people to wear surgical masks only if they are sick or “are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear a facemask)” and specify that “facemasks may be in short supply and they should be saved for caregivers.” Some people, however, overlook this and wear masks even when it’s unnecessary.
Those who are stocking up on these items should consider the possibility that their purchases are depriving at-risk individuals of supplies that may be vital to their survival. Jess Wolff—the mother of a premature child who is immunocompromised—expressed her concern about the shortage of medical supplies in her article for The Mighty.
Wolff requires a large supply of hand sanitizer, antiviral cleaning products and latex gloves to ensure a sterile environment in her household. “We have worked hard to save an emergency stash of many of these items but, given the unpredictable nature of [the coronavirus], we can just hope that our stockpile will be enough to see it through,” Wolff said.
Hospitals also face the threat of medical supply shortages, which would deprive them of items necessary to treat all of their patients. A survey conducted by Premier found that 86 percent of U.S. hospitals are worried about their stock of medical supplies. As a result, many have begun implementing “conservation protocols,” according to HealthCare Dive. In a time where society is at a higher risk of infection, medical supplies should be left for hospitals so that patients can receive the care they require.
Some people are even purchasing medical supplies with the intention of reselling them at increased prices to make a profit. These blatantly unethical operations could prevent low-income, at-risk individuals from getting the protection they need. These vendors might believe they’re only profiting from hypochondriacs who don’t necessarily need any of the items, but they must consider the fact that they make these items unavailable to those who really do need them.
It’s understandable that everyone is worried about catching the virus due to its unpredictability and its prominent coverage on the news. We all want to take precautionary measures to protect ourselves, but we should do so at the discretion of those most educated on the matter. Owning all of these products might give you a heightened sense of security, but it won’t be any more effective than following the steps the CDC outlined for us. Only purchase what is absolutely necessary for your health so that medical supplies are readily available for those who truly depend on them.
Aliyha Gill is a psychology and English double major junior who hopes everyone stays healthy and takes care of themselves!