People have been stealing hand gel from wards in Ayr and Crosshouse hospitals among others in Ayrshire.
NHS Ayrshire and Arran said it is “disappointed” about sanitiser going missing.
A spokeswoman said dispensers have disappeared “across all sites within Ayrshire & Arran.”
A health board statement said: “We’re disappointed at reports of hand gel going missing in hospitals. The most effective way of combating coronavirus (COVID-19) is regular and thorough hand washing with soap. Our stocks of hand gel are there to protect staff, patients and visitors.”
Hand sanitiser has been selling out in some shops as panic spreads.
Out of hours services were under major pressure in the area at the weekend as NHS24 was overwhelmed with enquiries about the virus.
The health board said if people have symptoms they should stay at home for at least seven days.
It said in a statement that only those with “serious illness” who need to go to the hospital will be tested for coronavirus.
It is advised to only contact a GP or NHS 111 if symptoms worsen.
A free helpline is open Monday to Friday 8am to 10pm and Saturday to Sunday 8am to 6pm if people need to check symptoms. Call 0800 028 2816.
Symptoms include:
A cough
Sore throat
Runny nose
High temperature
A fever is usually when body temperature is 38C or more and people may feel warm, cold or shivery.
Others will have more serious symptoms, including pneumonia or difficulty breathing, which might require admission to hospital.
Public health advice is available here: nhsinform.scot/coronavirus .
