Fears of a crisis due to the coronavirus pandemic has resulted in an historic spike in gun purchase background checks, leading to long delays in approval, according to the FBI and gun industry experts.

What’s more, there is a potential that offices in charge of conducting the background checks could shut down, effectively stopping sales.

The FBI office in charge of the National Instant Background Criminal Background Check System said in a statement:

“As the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) Section works through the impact of the COVID-19 operationally, we are working to maintain our services. We are aware that states may be considering options to protect the health and safety of their employees, which may include a reduction in office availability or even closure to some offices.”