Calif. Governor Newsom balks at $400 price tag on 24-pack of pocket-size sanitizer

California Gov. Gavin Newsom pointed out on Twitter the shockingly high prices amid hand sanitizer mania. Newsom shared images of a 24-pack of pocket-size bottles selling for $400. "Seriously, @amazon? These prices are absurd," he commented. less California Gov. Gavin Newsom pointed out on Twitter the shockingly high prices amid hand sanitizer mania. Newsom shared images of a 24-pack of pocket-size bottles selling for $400. "Seriously, @amazon? These ... more Photo: Gavin Newsome / Twitter Photo: Gavin Newsome / Twitter Image 1 of / 8 Caption Close Calif. Governor Newsom balks at $400 price tag on 24-pack of pocket-size sanitizer 1 / 8 Back to Gallery

For more coverage, visit our complete coronavirus section here.

As concerns of COVID-19 spread across the United States, public health officials are advising people to wash their hands regularly. In response, people have been scooping up large loads of hand sanitizer, leaving store shelves empty and online retailers with sky-high prices set by those trying to profit on the rush. More is on the way, although it's not clear how long it will take retailers to restock.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom pointed out on Twitter the shockingly high prices amid hand sanitizer mania.

Newsom shared images of a 24-pack of pocket-size bottles selling for $400. "Seriously, @amazon? These prices are absurd," he commented.

SFGATE searched for hand sanitizer on Amazon and found that many offerings were sold out. Some third-party sellers that can list directly on the site had products that seemed seriously overpriced.

On Tuesday, one seller had a two-pack of eight-ounce bottles listed for $90. A 12-pack of eight-ounce bottles was selling for $500. Some sellers are offering more fairly priced sanitizers and Amazon-branded products have lower prices. The Amazon eight-ounce bottle was $9 and the 67-ounce one $11.

Amazon released a statement, "There is no place for price gouging on Amazon. We are disappointed that bad actors are attempting to artificially raise prices on basic need products during a global health crisis and, in line with our long-standing policy, have recently blocked or removed tens of thousands of offers. We continue to actively monitor our store and remove offers that violate our policies."

ALSO: US Surgeon General: 'Seriously people - STOP BUYING MASKS'

Sales of hand sanitizers in the U.S. were up 73% in the four weeks ending Feb. 22 compared to the same period a year ago, according to market research firm Nielsen.

The alcohol-based gunk is convenient, but hand sanitizer isn't the best way to clean your hands. For that, soap and water still reigns supreme, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The agency recommends first washing hands with warm or cold water and then lathering soap for 20 seconds to get it on the backs of hands, between fingers and under finger nails before rinsing off.

If you're not near a sink, hand sanitizer will do. But keep in mind that it doesn't kill all germs, the CDC says. Read the label and make sure you're using one that has at least 60% alcohol, the health agency says. After applying it, rub it all over your hands until they're dry. Another tip: Don't touch your face, since health officials say viruses could enter your body from your eyes, mouth or nose.

Hospitals are more concerned about a shortage of face masks, which people have also been snatching up despite pleas from health officials. Patient and treatment rooms in hospitals always have a sink and soap to wash hands, says Nancy Foster, the American Hospital Association’s head of quality and patient safety. But there are no good alternatives to masks for nurses and doctors.

Malls and sports arenas are adding more hand sanitizer stations. And some workplaces have said they are stocking up, too.

Purell, the best-selling hand sanitizer, is pumping up production. Walmart and other stores say they are talking to suppliers to stock up bare shelves, but didn't say how long that could take.

Purell says it has seen higher demand from health care facilities in addition to stores. It is adding more shifts and having employees work overtime at the two Ohio facilities where most Purell is made, says Samantha Williams, a spokeswoman for its parent company Gojo Industries.

Bath & Body Works, which sells hand sanitizers with scents like “vanilla rose” and “pineapple colada,” says its been able to keep bottles in stock at its 1,700 stores. An executive for Bath & Body Works owner L Brands said last week that hand sanitizers made up 5% of its total business and that it's growing “at a very high rate."

Walmart has seen higher demand for cleaning supplies and other items, similar to when shoppers start preparing for a hurricane. The world’s largest retailer says it is working with suppliers to stock up again on those items, including hand sanitizer.

Gaelen Gates says she trekked to two Walgreens, a Safeway and a CVS this week and couldn't find any hand sanitizer.

The attorney, who lives in San Francisco, is not worried about the new virus, she's just trying to avoid getting a cold at a music and film festival she plans to attend later this month in Austin, Texas.

If she can’t find any by the time of her trip, she has a plan: wash her hands more frequently and “try not to touch anything."

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

Amy Graff is a digital editor with SFGATE. Email her: agraff@sfgate.com.

MORE CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE:

A full list of online coronavirus resources: Where to get your questions answered

Live updates: A rundown of coronavirus cases in the Bay Area

How to tell if you have a cold, the flu, or coronavirus

6 things travelers should know in the age of coronavirus

The worst myths and misinformation about coronavirus

Out of hand sanitizer? Here's how to make your own

Are the elderly at a greater risk for coronavirus complications?

US Surgeon General: 'Seriously people - STOP BUYING MASKS'

Bay Area company to expand coronavirus drug trials to other companies

CDC warns men with beards amid coronavirus scare

Eerie photos show empty streets in Italy amid coronavirus fears

JetBlue waives all change, cancellation fees on new bookings due to coronavirus