CHANDLER, Ariz. — The coronavirus outbreak left grocery store shelves bare across Arizona and the country as people stock up on supplies.
Gov. Doug Ducey activated over 5,000 National Guard troops on March 19 to help stores keep up with soaring demand and help with COVID-19 testing and state security.
The National Guard shared a video on Friday of servicemembers hauling goods from a Chandler warehouse to stores across the state. They say troops will deliver supplies to over 80 stores across all of Arizona’s 15 counties throughout the weekend.
The Department of Homeland Security doesn’t suggest people stock up on items like toilet paper. Instead, the department says it’s more important to have a good supply of prescription drugs and copies of personal documents.
The Red Cross recommends people have a two-week supply of food during any crisis, not just for coronavirus.
Grocery stores across the state have adjusted operation hours during the outbreak, and some stores offer specific times for the elderly and people with medical issues.