Coronavirus tensions erupt among Brooklyn Costco shoppers - VIDEO

BROOKLYN -- As fears about the spread of novel coronavirus mount, shoppers at a Costco in Brooklyn, New York yelled at each other Thursday morning in a confrontation that was caught on video.

The incident was only the latest instance of panic buying connected to the spread of the virus across the nation. Staple items like paper towels and toilet paper have been in short supply as Americans face uncertainty of the virus' long-term impact.

MORE: Massive lines form at Hawthorne Costco amid coronavirus panic

Many stores are reporting shortages of sanitizer and cleaning supplies amid the coronavirus outbreak.

The uploader described tensions at the New York City store as "very high." The shoppers were waiting in a line when the confrontation happened about 11:45 a.m.

Employees at the store sought to calm the shoppers.

"As human beings, we've got to come together at a time like this," a Costco employee says. "So I need you guys to calm down."

A woman is heard yelling, "Don't let her touch me with that cart again," as the employee tries to intervene.

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