Viral outbreak sparks run on rubbing alcohol

It''s not just face masks that are in short supply. Many Taiwan stores are running low on rubbing alcohol, which can be used as a disinfectant spray. Long queues have been reported outside drugstores that still carry precious stocks. Some customers have even gone the extra mile to procure the product straight from the factory. Droves of people have been queuing outside this dispensary on Taipei''s Tianshui Road since the early morning to take a number.They stand in line waiting for their turn. They''ve all come to purchase pharmaceutical alcohol.As the new coronavirus outbreak intensifies, not just masks but also pharmaceutical alcohol has gotten scarce. At this dispensary, each person can buy a maximum of two bottles. The 300 people in line depleted supplies in less than half an hour.Chang Pai-luDispensary operatorI can only make so much of the product in one day. There isn''t enough staff. Really, we have ingredients but no manpower.At this other dispensary in Taipei, they''ve posted a sign at the door saying the alcohol is sold out.Dispensary operatorWe don''t know when the next shipment will come, because it''s in short supply everywhere now.This alcohol factory in Hualien is also struggling to keep up with demand. Buyers need to bring their own containers to fill up at the factory. Each person can purchase a maximum of 4.5 liters. The product is 95% alcohol by volume, and buyers have to provide their real name.Chuang Chao-huaHualien DistilleryIn the Hualien area, there is a shortage of the bottled pharmaceutical alcohol. They''re anxiously looking for disinfectant to keep the virus away. So they''ve come here to buy in bulk in case of an emergency.On Monday, major factories were busy with rush orders to cope with surging public demand.