There has been a massive surge in demand for COVID-19 home self-test kits in the US, with buyers flocking to secure a now ‘precious’ commodity as Omicron cases begin to rise in several countries around the world.

According to reports, several online sellers have remained out of stock of these kits, as buyers become anxious over a new wave of infections. Websites such as ‘NowInStock’, ‘HotStock’ and ‘ZooLert’, which track the restocking of items by different online retailers, have listed at-home test kits under their most popular items.

Brick-and-mortar stores and pharmacies such as CVS have also reportedly expressed having a fast-diminishing stock of the commodity in recent weeks.

According to financial and political news publication Bloomberg, popular social media accounts used to find electronics restock details like PS5s, have begun sending alerts for at-home COVID-19 tests.

Forbes has also reported that Google searches for the kits have hit an all-time high within the last two weeks. “Walgreens at-home COVID test kit” and “Walmart at-home COVID test kit” have risen to summit of popular searches on the website.

There has been no official word from the manufactures regarding the increased demand, however, with the new strain being detected and schools reopening, it remains a ‘competitive sport’ to secure these items.