SHOPPERS are still stripping some of the Island's supermarket shelves of certain items — due to coronavirus fears.

As reported yesterday, people appeared to be stockpiling dry foods such as pasta, even before the virus was confirmed this side of the Solent.

Since the announcement that one patient has tested positive with coronavirus, the County Press has had messages from several people, reporting panic buying.

The main in-demand items appear to be hand sanitiser, soap, toilet rolls, paracetamol and pasta.

On the County Press Facebook page, Fiona Houghton said: "People here do the same at Christmas, I never understand it. If we have to self-isolate it’s for two weeks, no one needs to buy up the whole shop. Apart from being very selfish it’s pretty stupid."

Elisabeth Hunt said: "Don't people realise that they are causing shortages? It's selfish too as many can only afford a basic weekly shop."

Sue Hayles said: "Sadly we live in a very selfish and greedy world, where 'me first' is the dogma, stuff everyone else."

Tesco, the UK's largest grocer, has begun rationing essential food and household items as a result of coronavirus stockpiling.

Shoppers are limited to buying no more than five of each of the rationed goods, including antibacterial gels, wipes and sprays, dry pasta, UHT milk and some tinned vegetables

The rules apply in stores and online.

Waitrose has introduced a temporary cap on some items on its website, including some anti-bacterial soaps and wipes. Other supermarkets looks set to follow, with Boots also restricting sales of hand sanitiser.

Bembridge RNLI decided to close its shop and boathouse today.

A post on Facebook stated: "As a coronavirus precaution the Bembridge RNLI shop and the Offshore Boathouse will not be open this afternoon (Sunday). The situation will be reviewed on Monday."