[Report] Atmosphere Shifts as First Death Occurs... Germany Engulfed in Anxiety "For Now, Survive"

Reluctant to Wear Masks Due to Infection Stigma
But Masks and Hand Sanitizers Sell Out Daily

A drugstore in Freiburg, Germany, shows empty hand sanitizer shelves as COVID-19 cases surge and panic buying of daily necessities occurs. Freiburg, Germany - Photo by Sojeong Seo ssj@asiae.co.kr

[Asia Economy Reporter Seo So-jeong] "You can only purchase up to three per person."

On the 9th (local time), a remarkable scene unfolded at the German large supermarket chain 'Aldi'. The reporter visited an Aldi store located in Freiburg, Baden-W?rttemberg, southwestern Germany. From early morning before the store opened, people formed a long line. At 8 a.m., when the staff opened the door, people rushed inside, grabbing hand sanitizers and alcohol sprays.

As confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) surged, the store was bustling with people trying to buy hand sanitizers, alcohol disinfectants, and disinfectant wipes. At the checkout, disputes broke out between customers trying to buy more products and the staff. Within less than 10 minutes after opening, the products were sold out, and customers experienced mixed fortunes.

Mr. Max, whom the reporter met at the store, said, "I have been trying to buy hand sanitizer for a week, but it was sold out not only at local pharmacies but also at drugstores like 'dm'. I heard Aldi was selling them and stopped by on my way to work, but I was disappointed again."

Hoarding Ramps Up While Watching from Afar
Even Lining Up Before Store Opens Ends in Disappointment... Long-term Storage Food Items Run Out

Despite COVID-19's strong impact on Europe, Germany, which had a relatively calm atmosphere, changed drastically as confirmed cases surpassed 1,000 and the first death occurred. Neighboring Italy implemented a nationwide lockdown as a drastic measure, but on the 10th, confirmed cases exceeded 10,000, and Germany is watching the worsening situation with great concern.

Elementary school teacher Clara said, "Due to the geographical characteristic of free border crossing, infections can spread," adding, "Winter ski trips to nearby countries like Austria and Switzerland have become routine, and with the large-scale public movement expected during next month's Easter holidays, there is concern about many additional confirmed cases."

According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), Germany's equivalent of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, and the media, as of the 10th, confirmed cases totaled 1,502, and deaths were 2. As citizens' anxiety grows, hoarding of daily necessities is proceeding uncontrollably. Long-term storage items such as pasta, sterilized milk, flour, rice, and canned goods are quickly running out in stores.

Orders are also surging at Korean grocery stores favored by Koreans. A representative of Handok Mall, a Korean grocery store located in Frankfurt, said, "Due to COVID-19, product inquiries have increased 5 to 6 times compared to usual, and order volumes have increased more than fourfold," adding, "Although we operate a next-day delivery system, recent order surges have caused delivery delays of over a week."

"South Korea, Well Controlled, Looks Safer"

Mask prices are also soaring. On the e-commerce platform Amazon, prices for U.S. mask standards (N95) and European mask standards (FFP2) have risen 4 to 5 times compared to usual. However, it is rare to see Germans wearing masks on the streets.

Office worker Lucas said, "Masks have been sold out at pharmacies for weeks, and prices have been rising daily online, but I have never seen anyone wearing a mask in reality," adding, "Germans perceive mask wearers as infected, so they are reluctant to wear masks."

Koreans in Germany, following news from their homeland online, feel that South Korea is better controlled than Germany. International student Kim Ina said, "Just a week ago, I was worried about my parents in Korea and called to check on them, but recently, I have been receiving many text messages from acquaintances in Korea worrying about me," expressing concern, "I am afraid that caution toward Asians might turn into racial discrimination."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.