There Is No Need To Panic Buy, Bucks Co. Officials Say

BUCKS COUNTY, PA — Bucks County officials say they're working with state and federal officials to help the many local businesses that are being impacted by the coronavirus shut down. They're also issuing a public plea to not hoard supplies or panic buy.

In a news release issued Thursday, Bucks County Commissioner Bob Harvie said officials are weighting steps to help those who cannot work due to the closures. "Local agencies that deal with economic and workforce development have been discussing ways of helping both groups get through the crisis," the news release said.

As of Friday, Bucks County had 18 positive cases of COVID-19. There are 268 cases in Pennsylvania and one death.

Approximately 28,000 jobs are tied to hospitality services in Bucks County. Restaurants had to close their dining rooms last week due to the governor's order. On Thursday, the order to close was expanded to all non-life-sustaining businesses.

Officials are also asking people not to hoard supplies and groceries.

“Hopefully we are past the stage where people are hoarding,” Harvie said. “We had a wave of that, and are hoping that people now are beginning to settle in a little bit and resist that.”

Commissioner Gene DiGirolamo also cautioned against panic and irrational responses to the coronavirus threat.

There's no need to buy 50 cases of toilet paper, he said. “It makes no sense.”

>>>Full coronavirus in Pennsylvania coverage here.