eBay sellers are cashing in on Coronavirus fears by selling off hand sanitisers for an insane mark up.
As cases for the Coronavirus - Covid-19 - jumped to 51 in the UK , Brits have been stocking up on items that will help combat the spread of germs, with retailers like Wowcher noting high demand for products like masks .
Sellers on eBay have been capitalising on demand, selling items for more than 100% the original RRP in some cases.
One listing on the online marketplace offered Lidl's Cien branded hand sanitiser, which normally retails for 50p in stores for a whopping £39.99 . The bundle of four 50ml bottles is incredibly now he items is out of stock.
Other sellers on the auction site have also been using the same trick.
One listing shows three-packs of 50ml bottles of Dettol Instant Hand Sanitiser being sold for £69.99 . In contrast the same item can be bought from major retailers like Boots and Superdrug for £1.80.
Another listing on eBay shows a 30ml PURELL sanitiser gel for sale for £40 , with just one left over from a batch of 10 in stock.
Many shops have now sanctioned how much customers can buy of products such as hand sanitisers as shoppers begin stockpiling goods over fears of an imminent lethal outbreak across the UK.
Concerned shoppers have been unable to get hold of the antibacterial gel at supermarkets nationwide - including Tesco, Asda and Sainsbury's.
A number of Boots stores have also sold-out of hand sanitiser. In response to the increase in demand and panic for items a spokesperson for Boots said: "The best way to help prevent catching a virus is by making sure that you regularly wash your hands with soap, and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth to prevent transmission from surfaces, especially after blowing your nose, sneezing and coughing.
"Antiviral hand foams and gel can also be useful when you are out and about."
The World Health Organisation [WHO] has debunked a number of myths about how to beat coronavirus , including advising the public that spraying alcohol or chlorine on your body won't get rid of virus and that hand dryers will not kill the virus.
The NHS also advises on its website that you should cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your sleeve when you cough or sneeze and throw tissues away immediately afterwards. The public is also encouraged to wash hands often or use hand sanitiser gel, and try to avoid contact with people who are unwell.
