GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- Kent County health leaders say there’s ‘no reasons to panic’ about food and household essentials after Gov. Whitmer’s stay-at-home order because of the coronavirus outbreak.

Kent County Health Director Adam London, in a video posted Tuesday, March 24 to the Kent County Health Department Facebook page, spoke about the rush on grocery stores that happened Monday following Whitmer’s order.

“We’ve been hearing a lot about crowding at our grocery stores and a rush for certain products,” he said. "I really want to encourage you, this is not a time to panic.

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“There are not problems with the supply chain with groceries,” he said. “We’ve all heard a lot about toilet paper. We can’t figure out why everyone is in a rush for toilet paper either.”

London said there’s plenty of food and, for that matter, toilet paper, that will reach grocery stores in the coming days.

“There’s no reason for anyone to panic and rush and try to hoard the food they can at this time,” he said.

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PREVENTION TIPS

In addition to washing hands regularly and not touching your face, officials recommend practicing social distancing, assuming anyone may be carrying the virus. Health officials say you should be staying at least 6 feet away from others and working from home, if possible. Carry hand sanitizer with you, and use disinfecting wipes or disinfecting spray cleaners on frequently-touched surfaces in your home ( door handles, faucets, countertops ) and when you go into places like stores.