state of emergency

[ThrelfallYorky]

It's unbelievable, isn't it? Whatever would people be like if it was a really important shortage? Surprised riots haven't broken out, the way people are reacting. Seen empty shelves, hope people do make good use of all they purchase.
We did our normal weekly shop yesterday. Didn't need to buy loo rolls, etc. The only think I actually intended to buy and couldn't find was the handsoap I usually use - good old fashioned "Pears transparent". None there, so I simply picked up a tablet of - Wrights, coal tar!
I'd also rather like to know why the threat of coronavirus brings up such an urge for 'loo roll? I don't recall seeing diarrhoea being a symptom of the virus.

[BumbleB]

I'd also rather like to know why the threat of coronavirus brings up such an urge for 'loo roll? I don't recall seeing diarrhoea being a symptom of the virus.

Could it be that someone misinterpreted the Australian predicament?  Could it be the media - again 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-australia-51731422

[CarolA3]

What's the 'Australian predicament'?  Serious question as I wasn't aware we had a special one.

I live in a region where there are no reported cases of the virus so far.  Despite that, when I was on a bus the other day and did a tiny cough after drinking some chilled water, the driver immediately stopped in the middle of a suburban street and demanded to know whether I was unwell.  A surprising over-reaction as we'd just had a face-to-face discussion about my destination.  I explained about the cold water and was allowed to remain aboard.  For the remaining fifteen minutes of the journey I was treated to his ramblings on the theme of 'we're all going to get it'.

He's probably in the wrong job

Carol

[BumbleB]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/world-australia-51747892/coronavirus-in-australia-lorryload-of-toilet-paper-catches-fire

This might have added to the panic 

[ThrelfallYorky]

- And that kind of silly over-reaction (the 'bus driver) is, sadly, bound to happen more often.

[Nick_Ips]

He's probably in the wrong job

...or in the wrong kind of bus.

Perhaps one of these would give him adequate protection from the infected masses-
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AEC_Regent_III_RT

 

[Pheno]

I don't think much of this panic buying, particularly toilet rolls, is people thinking that they are going to need them because of the virus.  It is mostly to do with the 'self isolating' factor when they know they won't be able to get out to buy them so getting them in ready.

I have a very ill relative, in one of the extremely vulnerable groups, who is not very mobile anyway, so getting additional stocks in for them in case they can't get out at all, and in case I can't get out to stock them up, but it probably looks as if I am hoarding.

I feel like wearing a tag around my neck explaining.

Pheno

PS  Why is hair colour disappearing off the shelves?

[Kay99]

Locally garlic has disappeared !    Are we expecting vampires 

[Gadget]

Flour is in scarce supply in the NE