Understanding Why Australians Are Panicking Over Toilet Paper
There has been a great sense of concern throughout the world over the coronavirus. One of the greatest impacts surrounding the virus entails people around Australia stocking up on toilet paper.
People are buying toilet paper in droves out of fear. The issue has been highly dramatic and has even caused one newspaper in the country to print toilet paper. The panic has become substantial, especially considering how other nearby countries are experiencing even worse impacts.
How the Coronavirus Is Impacting Australia
The impact of the coronavirus on Australia has been substantial. There are more than seventy confirmed cases of the COVID-19 virus in Australia as of March 8. There are also three confirmed deaths from the virus.
While Australia has nowhere near as many COVID-19 cases like China, Iran, or Italy, there has been a panic throughout the country over how the virus may spread. The issue has prompted people throughout Australia to stock up on various home products. The point is with the belief that families could be trapped in their homes for a while if the virus spreads.
The infection totals in Australia have been leveling off thanks to current travel restrictions. The country currently has a ban on visitors coming into the country from China.
Self-Isolation Issues
The Australian Department of Health has imposed restrictions on travel to Iran, South Korea, and mainland China. The efforts are in the hopes of preventing the spread of the virus. Italy is expected to go on that list.
People who return to Australia from these areas are being asked to "self-isolate" themselves for at least fourteen days. They are also to seek attention if they experience any symptoms.
These points are causing people in Australia to worry about what could happen if the coronavirus spreads. As a result, people are buying toilet paper and other household staples in droves.
The Impact of the Frenzy
The coronavirus fear has caused toilet paper to become hard to find in many parts of Australia. Some fights have occurred among people who do find toilet paper in stores in Australia. Others are taking advantage of the situation and selling toilet paper online at obscenely high prices. There have also been cases of people stealing toilet paper from public bathroom stalls.
Companies that make toilet paper in Australia are also operating with 24-hour production lines to keep up with demand. The Woolworths and Coles supermarket chains still claim that there is plenty of toilet paper available and that people should not panic.
The most unusual measure surrounding the coronavirus came from the NT News, a morning newspaper that serves the Northern Territory. The Darwin-based paper recently published an edition with blank pages that people can use as a substitute for toilet paper.
What About Other Countries?
Australia is not the only country where people are stocking up on toilet paper. People in various Asian countries impacted harder by the coronavirus are also getting extra toilet paper. There was one case in Hong Kong in February where armed robbers stole some toilet paper pallets.