Coronavirus panic leaves Madrid supermarket looking like 'end of the world'

Video. Coronavirus panic leaves supermarket looking like 'end of the world'

Panic buying at supermarkets in central Madrid triggered by the spread of coronavirus led to long queues and empty shelves on Tuesday.

Panic buying at supermarkets in central Madrid triggered by the spread of coronavirus led to long queues and empty shelves on Tuesday.

One customer said she was trying to do a normal shop but found it like the "end of the world," while another said people were "over-reacting."

For most patients, COVID-19 causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.

The vast majority of people recover from the virus. According to the World Health Organization, people with mild illness recover in about two weeks, while those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks to recover.