March 05, 2020

Anna Murray 

A weird situation besieged Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, and Taiwan, people were stockpiling toilet paper rolls in coronavirus panic. The toilet paper shopping spree is now spreading to Australia. Consumer psychology experts put the blame on social media and news coverage for misleading people to the obviously irrational behavior to buy more toilet paper than they reasonably need.

Government officials always advise people to practice good hygiene and wash hands. If necessary, it is also suggested that people could prepare self-quarantine by staying home for two weeks. Under such circumstances, people need to buy enough food and water as well as other household goods.

Authorities have repeatedly urged the general public to stop panic buying toilet paper, for such a shortage of toilet paper will not pose any imminent threat. However, people in South Korea, Taiwan, and the US continue frenzy in the long waiting lines to buy face masks. Meanwhile confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) and death tolls keep rising up worldwide.

Photo:Webshot.