Concerns over COVID-19 have made it hard to find such things as hand sanitizer, bottled water and even toilet paper at some area stores.

"The first thing we ran out of was the hand sanitizer," says Scott Halvorson, the manager of Waco’s Drug Emporium.

And it’s not just cleaning supplies, he said.

Bottled water, a variety of soaps, and aloe vera are among items being bought up.

"People are buying aloe vera gel to make their own hand sanitizer since we are sold out," Halvorson said.

Other stores in the area are even seeing a lack of toilet paper, as people continue buying items in large quantities.

"It's good to have a couple of things on hand but you don't need to get six, eight, or a dozen," says Halvorson, who's urging people to limit what they buy.

"My biggest message is not to get caught up in the panic," he says.

Halvorson along with other stores in the area, say they are hoping to re-stock on items as soon as possible.