Customers buying in bulk amid Coronavirus concern

SALINAS, Calif. (KION) People were turned away inside the Salinas Costco, Thursday. Many asked employees for basic items and only heard one response.

"All of the stock is completely empty." said customer, Sebastian Berlanga.

Simple household items, ranging from disinfectant to water bottles to paper towels, are all limited to just two per membership at Costco.

Before noon Thursday, some shelves were completely cleared out.

The question remains for many: why are these particular items flying off the shelve?

"I think people think that the sickness will become worse and they won't be able to leave their home. Maybe they'll chose not to leave their homes," said customer, Nicole Partida-Bartoni.

Those who showed up too late left the store empty handed. "I came here just to get water and toilet paper. They are out," said customer, Sylvia Mejia.

"There's a lot of things that are necessary that are missing," said Berlanga.

Many strolled the aisles wearing face masks. Some were seen spraying down their carts with disinfectant. "It's precautionary. You never know. It takes a few seconds, so why not?," said customer, Barbara Fulkerson.

Costco has taken their own precautionary measures. Days ago, the company stopped handing out free food samples.

"I don't think it's going to stop until we get an all clear from the government. A lot of big events have been cancelled. I think that's getting in a lot of people's heads," said Berlanga.