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People Flock to US Hardware Stores During Coronavirus Pandemic

Deborah Block

   ALEXANDRIA, VA - Wearing asurgical mask andglovesto protect herself
   from the coronavirus,Dr. Susan Buenaventura checks out the
   paintingsupplies attheVillageHardwarestorein Alexandria,
   Virginia,outsideWashington.

   She is a physician who performselectivesurgeriesat a nearby hospital.
   But with nonessential health caredelayedbecause
   ofCOVID-19,Buenaventurahas some time on her hands, so she and her
   husband are doinga bit ofindoor house painting.

   To helpcontrol the spread of the virusin the United States, many
   businesseshave been closed, except those considered essential,
   whichoftenincludehardware storesto help withurgent home or building
   repairs. But manyof thosecustomers arebuyingsuppliesfor do-it-yourself
   home improvement projects that can wait.

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