Prime Minister the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis appealed to Bahamians and residents to stop panic buying food and hoarding supplies in reaction to news of the COVID-19 virus.

“There is no need for it,” the prime minister said on Tuesday, following a meeting with local wholesalers and suppliers at the Office of the Prime Minister.

“I want to assure the population that we have at least a one to three months’ supply of food on the island and shipping continues as normal.”

Prime Minister Minnis met with representatives of Super Value, A & M Foods, and local wholesale distributors, including pharmaceutical wholesalers and suppliers, on Tuesday for a briefing on the state of the country’s medicine and food stocks and other supplies.

Medicine supplies are also healthy, with a two months’ supply in stock and more supplies en route, wholesalers told the prime minister.

Household supplies, such as cleaners and disinfectants, are expected to be on the shelves within days, and wholesalers are looking to build stock above the normal levels.

The prime minister reiterated that price gouging will not be tolerated and any establishment found violating the law will be prosecuted.