With reports of empty supermarket shelves from McLaren Vale to Victor Harbor it is clear the Fleurieu is not immune to the national panic-buying epidemic.

Fear and misinformation about the spread of the Corona virus Covid 19 has led to shortages of pasta, rice and long-life milk, as well as the touted toilet paper clear out.

According to the federal health department there have been only four cases of the virus diagnosed in South Australia so far, with 52 in the whole of Australia.

Two of the 52 people have died and 22 have fully recovered.

The death rate in confirmed cases outside mainland China has been approximately 1.8 per cent, which is comparable to seasonal influenza.

While many in the media have had a laugh at the ‘toilet paper madness’ and social media memes proliferate, social services groups such as VCOSS have pointed out the less funny side.

“You know who can’t 'panic buy' and stockpile household goods? People on low incomes, living week to week on very little cash.

“Runs on essential items hurt people in poverty. So, please: stop and think about others before you empty out the supermarket shelves.”

Posters in local Facebook groups on the Fleurieu have also weighed in.

 “PEOPLE PLEASE STOP PANIC SHOPPING AND THINK ABOUT YOUR WHOLE COMMUNITY. 

“Some people just need supplies and your panic is causing people serious problems. 

“Have a brain, you don’t need to panic but you DO need to live in a community where we all need things,” says MissAndrea Loud.

“This is crazy, remember our stores are classed as 'country' and take longer to re supply, don't be idiots, there is NO reason to panic buy, more people die from flu and if you did happen to get it the stock pile of toilet paper and long life milk etc., in you cupboards is not going to cure you,” says Jayne Crosskey.

Information about the Corona virus Covid19, with daily updates on its current status in Australia is available from the federal health department website.