CHEEKTOWAGA, N.Y. (WKBW-TV) — After Sarah D'Agostino was featured in a 7 Eyewitness News report about how hard it is to find Lysol during the pandemic, several viewers have volunteered to either share their own or help the Cheektowaga woman find Lysol in local stores.
"It kind of restores my faith in humanity with all the things that are happening in this world. This is just a wonderful turn," D'Agostino told reporter Ed Reilly.
Sarah D'Agostino has a rare disorder called Dercum's Disease. It causes painful bumps to form all over her body. The disease is made worse when D'Agostino becomes ill. As a result, she relies heavily on Lysol disinfectant sprays to protect herself. But with her supplies running low, D'Agostino has spent weeks searching multiple stores trying to find - without success - cans of Lysol spray.
Jason Schroeder from the City of Tonawanda is one of those who volunteered to help. Schroeder has begun an effort with his wife, daughter, and managers at the North Tonawanda Walmart to get D'Agostino the Lysol products she needs. "When the trucks come in, I'm going to go there early and shop for her," said Schroeder.
Julie Kosieracki, a hairstylist at Hot Heads Hair Salon in Depew, also wanted to help. She is bringing the Cheektowaga woman some extra disinfectant wipes. "I am sure other people have more than enough that they can share with people who really need it," said Kosieracki.
Several other people have been in contact with 7 Eyewitness News about helping as well.
For Sarah D'Agostino, the efforts are heartwarming and mean she will not have to place herself at a higher risk of getting sick by searching multiple stores for Lysol spray. "It is amazing," added D'Agostino.
Disinfectant sprays and wipes have become very hard to find three months after the Covid-19 public health emergency started. The companies that make products such as Clorox and Lysol say they are trying to increase production to meet "unprecedented" demand. However, they are asking people to only buy what they need and not hoard the products when they do appear on store shelves.
Diluted household bleach solutions may also be used if appropriate for the surface.
- Check the label to see if your bleach is intended for disinfection and has a sodium hypochlorite concentration of 5%–6%. Ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Some bleaches, such as those designed for safe use on colored clothing or for whitening, may not be suitable for disinfection.
- Unexpired household bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application and proper ventilation. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser. Leave solution on the surface for at least 1 minute.
- To make a bleach solution, mix:
- 5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) bleach per gallon of room temperature water
OR
- 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of room temperature water
- Bleach solutions will be effective for disinfection up to 24 hours.
- Alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol may also be used.
