Missourians returning to work with disinfectant shortage
COLUMBIA — Empty shelves in Central Missouri stores made it difficult Thursday to comply with CDC guidelines for disinfection against the coronavirus. Some business owners and families turned to professional cleaning services as they prepared to kick start our economy on Monday.
As thousands of Missourians prepared to go back to work, it was hard to find disinfectants, hand sanitizers and wipes. Central Missouri store managers usually told shoppers these items disappeared as soon as they hit the shelves. “Limit Two” signs had no meaning when the shelves were empty. Columbia Westlake Ace Hardware Assistant Manager Heston Wilkerson tried to keep disinfectants in stock for his customers and first responders.
Wilkerson said, “We made a donation of some liquid hand sanitizer to some clinics around town. Other than that, we’re just trying to take care of customers, first responders, EMS workers and anybody that needs it.”
CDC officials made a list of disinfectant products, including ready-to-use sprays, concentrates, and wipes, that can be used against COVID-19. The list was worthless if the products were unavailable. Professional cleaning companies like Columbia’s ServiceMaster were available to help businesses and families disinfect spaces. Professional cleaners had their own supplies of cleaning products.
ServiceMaster owner Adam Kinser said, “Disinfectant materials or products are not readily available to individuals or homeowners outside of people like us. If we’re not willing to help out and give some of those products to people, then I think there is going to be a fairly large shortage.”
CDC officials wanted Americans to avoid stockpiling disinfectants and sanitizers to help prevent shortages of critical products needed for emergencies.
