O.J. Simpson has been spotted wearing a face mask to supermarket Costco as he stock piled toilet paper and water amid fears of coronavirus.

The former felon - known as 'The Juice' - joined throngs of shoppers panic buying essentials and wheeled a huge trolley around the shop.

Simpson, 72, was casually dressed down in a grey tracksuit and sported sunglasses and a white face mask tight to his face, in an apparent bid to prevent himself being infected.

The snap sparked a huge response on Twitter when it was shared along with the caption: "'Coronavirus? Who's afraid?"

"Statistically I may have a better chance of being killed by you than the virus," one user replied.

(Image: Twitter)

"Can you kill the virus for us OJ?" asked another.

"Don't forget your gloves OJ!" teased a third.

The US death toll from coronavirus rose to 17 on Friday.

(Image: Fox)

His trolley is said to have included 60 toilet rolls, 12 kitchen rolls, paper party cups, and at least three cases of water bottles.

Many Costco stores have tightened rations over the last few days after seeing overwhelming demand for some products.

Several outlets are said to have reduced the number of packets of flour, sugar and rice allowed for each customer to purchase from five to two.

In Los Angeles shoppers were pictured on Friday morning lining up with their trolleys waiting for shops to open.

(Image: Shazia Awan-Scully) (Image: Lydia Stephens)

There has been similar panic back in the UK, following advice over self-isolation.

Environment Secretary George Eustice held talks with supermarket and trade body bosses over food supply contingencies on Friday and said he was reassured retailers were taking "all the necessary steps" to keep shelves well-stocked.

He said: "Today I spoke with chief executives from the UK's leading supermarkets to discuss their response to coronavirus.

"The retailers reassured me they have well-established contingency plans and are taking all the necessary steps to ensure consumers have the food and supplies they need.

"Retailers are continuing to monitor their supply chains and have robust plans in place to minimise disruption.

"I was particularly keen to hear how Government could support their preparations and we've agreed to work closely together over the coming days and weeks."