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Shelves are being emptied across the UK as the coronavirus spread causes people to panic buy.

As the number of cases across Europe rises at an increasing rate, fears of a full-blown outbreak in Britain has led many to take precautions.

Bottles of hand-sanitizer have been flying off the shelves, leading outlets including Boots to limit the number customers can purchase.

The pharmacist will only sell two at a time as rackateers try to sell the scarce items for hundreds of times the asking price online.

One chancer listed a 49p bottle of antibacterial gel for £1,000 on eBay , MailOnline reported.

Are you preparing for the potential spread of coronavirus? If so, how? Email webnews@trinitymirror.com

(Image: Media Wales)

So far 20 people have tested positive for the disease in the UK.

The domestic infection of a man in Surrey, who has not recently left the country, has intensified concerns about the virus running rampant.

People have been posting photos on social media of empty supermarket shelves as certain products are snapped up.

In Newtownards in Northern Ireland hand sanitiser, hand soap and antibacterial spray were all sold out.

(Image: Media Wales) (Image: Twitter)

Tinned goods and sanitisers were also in short supply in an Asda in Wallasey, as in a Tesco in Swansea.

Lidl said its supermarkets were “experiencing a significant increase in demand for durable products or disinfectants.”

A spokeswoman added: “We are doing everything we can to ensure the food supply and we have increased deliveries to our branches.”

(Image: Twitter)

As well as standard hand sanitiser, such as Dettol's 'On the Go', Boot's online shop has run out of flavoured varieties of the bacteria-busting gel, even a 'bubblegum' scented version , are also unavailable to buy.

Yesterday delivery company Ocado warned customers to book further in advance after demand sky rocketed.

The company told customers in an email: "We want to let you know that we’re experiencing exceptionally high demand at the moment.

"More people than usual seem to be placing particularly large orders. As a result, delivery slots are selling out quicker than expected."

In response to Mirror Online's query about stock levels, Boots said: "The best way to help prevent catching a virus is by making sure that you regularly wash your hands with soap, and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth to prevent transmission from surfaces, especially after blowing your nose, sneezing and coughing.

"Antiviral hand foams and gel can also be useful when you are out and about."

As well as handsanitsier and anti-bacterial spray, there has been a run on face masks.

Many businesses have sold out of the products and have long waiting lists as people look for ways to avoid the airborne virus.

Amazon has started to police venders to make sure they are not gouging the price of face masks.