Why is there a shortage of toilet paper in Australia? COVID-19 Sydney

The past few weeks our household has been slowly buying foods such as pasta, rice, noodles and food in cans as we are bracing ourselves for a potential outbreak of COVID-19, especially as we are falling into the cooler months. Having said that though, we have done nothing too terribly out of the norm, and haven't really overstocked to the point that we have no storage space. We missed out on the hand sanitisers (and still are short on this - I previously thought we had plenty as we have a few bottles around the home due to having the toddler around, but most of the bottles are actually half empty or less, so it is a misjudgment from me). We accidentally did a double shop of toilet paper maybe two months ago due to miscommunication - but it was a type of blessing in disguise.

The past week or so in Australia, toilet paper has been the hottest selling item. 

No really, it is ridiculous. I have never seen so many people at the supermarket on a weekday during office hours literally stockpiling and sweeping things off the shelves. But why is it like this? How did it happen?

1. This is not a new scenario. First the shelves in Hong Kong were stripped bare of toilet paper, mostly by Chinese nationals who claimed that "masks and toilet paper are made of similar material and toilet paper can be used to make masks". Nobody really reported on where these toilet paper rolls went, but possibly they went back to the mainland as the factories were closed and people there are also desperate for masks. As a result, there was a shortage, but not for long. The price of toilet paper surged, but then promptly fell as there was simply no demand.

2. A shortage of toilet paper hit Japan last week with the same nonsense that toilet paper and masks were the same thing. A Twitter user actually questioned if that were the case, then he and a popular actor were made of the same thing (lol). Seriously, people use your heads. There is still a bit of a shortage, but it is still available.

3. Shortage of paper hits Australia and this time someone spread a rumour that the toilet paper was being made in China and it would be a matter of time that there will be no more stock. This is again nonsense, as the toilet paper is made in Australia. Toilet paper is still available, but in limited quantities as hoarders are buying trying to either make a profit, or just unwilling to share. People have been in brawls and fist fights over toilet paper, which is super ludicrous.

4. Shortage of condoms soon to hit Australia - because some idiot posted to put one on your finger so you can press common surfaces such as lift buttons without fear of germs. 

 A R E Y O U S E R I O U S?

There are such things as GLOVES. In a time like this where factories are being closed, and environmental concerns over things ending up in landfill, you are suggesting to use condoms to press a lift button?! Get a grip!

There was a post shared by a citizen in Hong Kong, and the solution is to buy a lighter (and no you do not need to be a smoker to use a lighter), use the flame end to press the lift button, and then flick on the flame for a few seconds to sanitise. Seriously, this is a much more environmentally friendly and smarter way of doing things so you do not need to snatch or fight over basic necessities! Or better still, be a good samaritan and use an antibacterial wet wipe to press the button, and use the remainder of the wipe to wipe the other buttons before disposing. I've seen my fair share of people wiping their germs onto lift buttons via videos from overseas (yes this is indeed distressing).

Everyone, just be sensible.

Yours,

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