Story By: Lee Bullen,Sub Editor: Joseph Golder,Agency: Asia Wire Report

Condom sales have reportedly gone through the roof in Singapore where 47 cases of coronavirus have been confirmed and fearful residents have taken to using them on their fingers to press lift buttons and touch surfaces.

The island city-state of Singapore was recently placed on a ‘Disease Outbreak Response System Condition’ (DORSCON) orange level alert, one below the highest alert red, and 47 cases of COVID-19 (coronavirus) have been confirmed.

The viral outbreak in the region prompted Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to broadcast a nine-minute recorded message on 9th February.

Amid reports of long queues at supermarkets and the panic buying of goods, he told citizens: “Fear can do more harm than the virus itself.”

According to local media, residents have been stocking up on necessities such as rice and toilet paper. However the president advised people that there are more than enough supplies on the island.

One product which has been flying off the shelves has been condoms, according to local media.

Reports said that pharmacies and supermarkets have been constantly sold out of prophylactic sheaths.

However, residents have not descended into a hedonistic free-for-all, as some might assume, instead the condoms are said to be used for pressing lift buttons and opening doors.

With Singaporeans concerned about becoming infected with the virus, they have reportedly taken to rolling condoms along the length of their fingers before touching surfaces.

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