SOUTH JORDAN, Utah — Across Utah, shoppers continue clearing stores of water, toilet paper and other items over fears of COVID-19.
Thursday morning, customers made a rush at several stores that resembled Black Friday.
In the first 30 minutes, nearly 1,200 people poured into the South Jordan Costco — up about 450% over a regular Thursday.
Customers stockpiled on kitchen staples and cleaning supplies.
“Just in case things shut down I wanna have some stuff,” said Annalisa Evans of Bluffdale.
Customers insist they’re not panicking, just preparing what might happen next.
“I definitely want to stock up on chicken, protein, milk and make sure I have everything I can because I don’t know what is to come,” said Britta Nyborg of Lehi.
As the latest wave of stockpiling hits the Wasatch Front, Governor Gary Herbert urges Utahn’s not to go overboard.
“I hope people will be reasonable and rational. There are areas where we are overreacting,” said Governor Herbert in Thursday’s press conference.
He said hoarding bottled water is unnecessary because COVID-19 will not disrupt Utah’s drinking water. However, he added being prepared is part of Utah’s DNA.
“When it comes to these things, I kind of take it as it comes. If something is meant to happen, it will happen, but it’s good to be precautionary,” Nyborg said.
