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A South Derbyshire student who suffers from breathing difficulties said he wishes people would "think twice" about panic buying essentials to combat Coronavirus, after he was unable to get his hands on any sanitiser.

Aden Hallam, has suffered with breathing difficulties for the past year and said he has become more breathless in recent months.

Coronavirus,otherwise known as Covid-19, it has so far infected 373 people and killed six in the UK.

Now the 24-year-old is urging panic buyers to think of others, as he was unable to find any hand sanitiser to stave off any germs.

Mr Hallam, who lives in Church Gresley, said: "I didn’t really think much about it until it started spreading rapidly over here and the government said it was going to get worse.

"I struggle with breathlessness anyway and in the last few months it has got worse, so I am starting to worry about what might happen if I get Coronavirus.

"I don’t think I will die if I get it but I think I will be quite ill because my lungs aren’t as strong as other peoples.

"I am avoiding going out as much as possible just in case and I am keeping an eye on any changes to symptoms but I honestly don’t know if I could tell whether I had coronavirus because they are saying cold-like symptoms."

Mr Hallam, who also has epilepsy, said his concerns mean he is doing all he can to prevent himself from getting the deadly virus, but he was upset to find that no shops near to him had any hand sanitiser in stock.

(Image: Derby Telegraph)

He said: "I understand that people are worried about getting it but there are people that need the supplies more, people like the elderly who are at greater risk. I am not only worried for myself but my mum, dad and grandad.

"My fiancé also has problems with his immune system so I was hoping to get some for both of our sakes but I couldn’t find any anywhere.

"I went to Tesco and Sainsbury’s in Church Gresley yesterday and there was none at all so I went back today and there still wasn’t anyway.

"It is annoying because I don’t want to have to go around looking for these items and increasing my chances of getting the virus."

Mr Hallam said shops should consider putting a limit on items such as hand sanitiser and toilet paper so that everyone gets their fair share.

He said: "It is easy to worry especially when we keep hearing different things but I wish people would think twice before they bulk buy and think of those who are more vulnerable.

"We need to all have access.

"It is all well and good getting all the hand sanitiser you can but those who can’t get it can still infect you.

"I think it is a good idea for shops to ration some items so everyone can have their fair share."