Oakham and Uppingham appear to have joined the nationwide panic buying frenzy for hand sanitisers.

Pharmacies contacted by Oakham Nub News today did not have any supplies of the gels in the wake of the coronavirus scare, and they were unable to say when fresh supplies might arrive.

The Rutland Late Night Pharmacy in High Street said it sold out of the hand sanitisers 2-3 days ago.

A member of staff told Oakham Nub News: "We are struggling with our manufacturers because they are currently out of stock.

Boots in Oakham High Street has also sold out.

A staff member said: "We get deliveries three times a week. The next delivery will be tomorrow, Thursday. We don't know if we will get any. It depends on what the warehouse has got."

The Day Lewis Pharmacy in High Street has also "sold out completely" and has "no idea" when fresh supplies will arrive.

A staff member told Oakham Nub News: "We keep trying to get them. Every other person asks but our warehouse is out of stock. We keep trying. It's the same all over Oakham."

Meanwhile, in Uppingham, the Ashdale Pharmacy at Market Place said it sold out of hand sanitisers last week.

A member of staff told Oakham Nub News: "We can't order from anywhere. It's a problem. We don't have any dates unfortunately as to when we'll get some."

The disappearance of the gels from shops and chemists come as the government launches a campaign to try and halt the spread of coronavirus.

Adverts will warn that some viruses can live on surfaces for hours and that people should wash their hands more regularly and for up to 20 seconds or use hand sanitiser.

The campaign recommends people wash their hands when they come in from work, after blowing their nose, coughing or sneezing, and before they eat or handle food.