Billy Daniels restocks a display of disinfectant wipes at Market Center this morning. Grocers at all the Sitka grocery stores were busy keeping up with a steady stream of customers Thursday and today. (Sentinel Photos by James Poulson)
Dugan Daniels, left, and Andrew Hames
With ever-increasing worries about COVID-19, Sitkans have been inundating the local grocery stores since Thursday afternoon.
Sea Mart store director Andrew Hames said today: “There were rumors going around that the barges were not going to be sailing anymore – which is not true, but it spread well enough that people in here were pretty panicked last night trying to fill up their shopping carts as much as they could. I was able to get a message out on Facebook, I don’t know if that had a huge implication, but things slowed down, and around 7 o’clock, we were able to help our customers ease their state of mind, and assure them that we have groceries coming, and we’re going to keep working to keep our shelves full.”
Dugan Daniels:
“We’re just going fishing. Cheese, beans, meat, veggies, milk, soda water – everything you need to keep 20-year-olds fed and ready to go ... But solve that toilet paper issue – I just don’t understand it.”
Nancy Blatchley Davis
Nancy Blatchley Davis:
“I am trying to buy things that I can stick in the oven. I’m also trying to buy supplies: toilet paper and all that kind of stuff. I’m just trying to be prepared ... I had no idea that when I pulled up to the grocery store there would be no parking spaces – I guess everyone else had the same idea and has been listening to the TV.”
Richard and Tess Holden
Richard and Tess Holden:
“We were going to stock the shelves (with Nabisco products) yesterday, but it was just too crowded.”
Ritch Phillips
Ritch Phillips:
“Honestly, I don’t really think it’s that much of an emergency. It’s more like a panic. But I am worried about my daughter of course, and want to make sure she’s covered.” (He explained that his daughter has a compromised immune system.)
Greg George
Greg George: “This is a supplement to my wife doing a stock-up trip yesterday. We’re not freaking out; I don’t have any toilet paper in here. I’ve got some salad dressing, some more eggs, a roast, and plenty of frozen things. I do have some wine and beer – If we’re going to be at home for a while, it might be nice to have a glass of wine with dinner.”
