The COVID-19 pandemic is having a major societal effect as people are being quarantined, travel restricted, borders closed, schools closed, events cancelled, gatherings of all types cancelled, and stocks.
In times of such almost unprecedented instability, people have been rushing to stores to buy up supplies.
An unusual aspect has been a rush on toilet paper. In a ‘herd’ mentality, people have seen others buying excessive amounts of toilet paper and begin to buy lots themselves, perhaps thinking the other person knows something they don’t and so they better buy lots too, in case. Media reports of mass toilet paper buying has led to others buying excessive quantities for fear of being left out. Stores have been cleaned out in a sort of self-fulfilling situation.
At this Walmart store in Brandon Manitoba, the entire large stock of toilet paper (Riley Laychuk-CBC)
This has led in some cases to TP being offered for sale online at exhorbitent prices. People have also been panic buying and hoarding food stuffs, often leaving shelves bare, which only encourages others to panic buy whatever is left over fears of having nothing.
In relation to high prices being asked online for basic items, At a press conference late last week BC Premier John Horgan said, “I’m profoundly disappointed in people who are hoarding and then selling online, I think it’s offensive” (CBC)
In many cases, such as here in London Ontario, store shelves were emptied of normally readily available items like sanitizers, kleenex, foodstuffs etc. (Alvin Yu-CBC)
Psychologists say the buying is somewhat understandable as people seek some control over their lives in the face of a seemingly uncontrollable situation, noting this is the reaction when anxiety becomes fear.
Authorities meanwhile are calling for calm, as officials note that food deliveries will continue to reach stores.
Additional information-sources
- Canadian Press (via CBC) Mar 14/20: Kijiji bans listings for toilet paper, surgical masks amid COVID-19 price-gouging
- CBC; C. Butler: Mar 14/20: ‘This is why you see panic buying:’ London (Ont) shoppers denude store shelves of – toilet paper?
- Ontario Govt statement on grocery buying habits related to COVID-19
- CBC: C. Gowriluk: Mar 13/20: Stock up on information, not toilet paper, says Manitoba’s chief public health officer
- Global: R. Rocca: Mar 14/20: ‘We have plenty of food’: Ontario government urges calm amid pandemic panic buying
- South China Morning Post: K Whitehead: Feb 25/20: Why Hong Kong panic buying happened: herd mentality, the media, overreaction and distrust
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