More than 2,600 people have been confirmed to have coronavirus in the UK, with thousands more likely unaware they have the killer bug.
With so much uncertainty surrounding us - and talk of a potential lockdown - it's no wonder many people are feeling panicked.
Experts have been reassuring the public that there is no need to stockpile and bulk buy from supermarkets, but this hasn't stopped many from going a little overboard.
There have been several upsetting stories emerge over the last few days, involving elderly shoppers, unable to buy their essentials, and one shared on social media recently is particularly disheartening to read.
Christian Savidge took to Twitter to share the heartbreaking scene he encountered in a shop in Wirral.
He wrote: "Had a little cry when I got back from the shops because I overheard an old man ask where the eggs were and he was told there weren’t any eggs and he looked at his list that just had eggs written on it in spider writing.
"This was in a supermarket on the Wirral but could be anywhere. If everyone just shopped normally there wouldn’t be any shortages."
He added: "Our supermarkets and their supply chains aren’t set up for this shit. Please shop thoughtfully and look out for your neighbours."
His tweets went viral, with thousands of people liking and sharing them.
"I’m worried he’s an elderly man living on his own. Or, his elderly wife had written the note for him to shop. He’ll go home without eggs. Awful, someone help find him," replied one concerned person.
Another said: "This is heartbreaking. He’s someone’s granddad, Dad, husband, uncle... He was young and strong once. May all the hoarders have this vision in their heads every night when they try to go to sleep ... please find him someone and restore his faith in human nature."
Even celebrity cook Nigella Lawson was appalled, saying the sad tweet "did her in".
Others began sharing heartbreaking things they'd seen in supermarkets as well.
"I welled up in Tesco today when I saw a bewildered old man wandering around with nothing in his basket. Made me feel sick to my stomach at the actions of selfish people. I gave home the odd bit from my basket that he needed and I just left the rest and came home," wrote Verity Glover.
Kerry Hudson added: "I saw a woman yesterday saying she was about to have a baby and hoped she would be able to breast feed because there's no formula. Absolute f**king madness."
Supermarket bosses have been pleading with Brits to stop panic buying.
Earlier this week, members of British Retail Consortium sent a joint letter to consumers urging everyone to work together to ensure there is enough food for the country.
It said: "We know that many of you are worried about the spread of coronavirus (Covid-19).
"We want to let you know that we are doing everything we can so that you and your families have the food and essentials you need.
"But we need your help too.
"We would ask everyone to be considerate in the way they shop.
"We understand your concerns, but buying more than is needed can sometimes mean that others will be left without."
The letter added: "There is enough for everyone if we all work together.
"Together we can make sure we are looking out for family, friends, neighbours.
"Together we will care for those around us and those who are elderly, vulnerable or choosing to remain at home."
