Sales of Dettol and Lysol Increase Amid Coronavirus Outbreak

Dettol and Lysol sales saw a significant boost as the deadly epidemic continues to spread. The products can allegedly prevent the spread of the virus, however, there is still no scientific evidence of their effectiveness.

The company which produces the disinfectants, Reckitt Benckiser, said the demand for the products is exceeding the supply. The global markets declined for the sixth day totaling more than 11% of losses for the UK’s FTSE 100.

The only known method of contagion is being in proximity to an infected individual and inhaling the coughed or sneezed out droplets. Since it is still uncertain whether the virus can survive on hard surfaces, it remains unclear whether Lysol or Dettol can help prevent the spread.

Apart from boosting demand, the epidemic is also changing the way people do shopping, as more and more people in China buy products online, rather than going to the store, says Reckitt Benckiser.

Reckitt Benckiser, the producer of Durex, Calgon, Vanish and many others, said the outbreak has negatively affected the company’s supply chain and sent down sales of other products.

Therefore, the consumer goods company said it’s “too early to fully assess the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak.” The company also said it is donating sanitizers to health workers around the globe.

Washing hands with soap is one of the key pieces of advice governments try to give to help prevent people from getting infected, and Dettol and Lysol are the most common disinfectants in the world.

Medino, the digital pharmacy based in the UK, said the demand for hand sanitizers in the UK has significantly increased since the beginning of February, and some suppliers were starting to strive.