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The toilet paper issue

Ed Townsend - Columnist
Posted 3/30/20

So…have you been shopping for toilet paper lately? Well the unprecedented run on toilet paper seemingly continues…I have not gotten a single answer from anyone as to why this is taking place. It …

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The toilet paper issue

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So…have you been shopping for toilet paper lately? Well the unprecedented run on toilet paper seemingly continues…I have not gotten a single answer from anyone as to why this is taking place. It could end up putting stress on an industry that was already running at maximum capacity.

And so a simple question here, are you using more toilet paper then a month ago? Don't think so and why is there this public-driven panic to stock up on toilet paper and leave the store shelves empty.

This toilet paper panic buying came about as a result of what is believed to be over hyped news about the coronavirus pandemic.

Of course the first items to go masks, then hand sanitizers then came the rush for toilet paper.

Store managers in retail outlets finally have started limiting the number of toilet paper packs customers can buy in one trip to the store.

The big question still is why…toilet paper does not offer special protection against the virus and it's not considered a staple of impending emergencies like milk and bread are.

The global response to the novel coronavirus almost seems like so many have pushed the panic button.

It is understandable but is also excessive so it's better to use your head and prepare without panicking.

When talking to a relative on the telephone yesterday she told me that “when people are told something dangerous is upon us but all you need to do is wash your hands, this action does not seem proportionate to the threat.”

Other reasons I have heard is that this panic buying is that it's natural to want to over prepare and it allows some to feel a sense of control...it's all due to this wave of anticipatory anxiety.

People have got to be thinking about the bigger picture, when your shopping in the super market or your local food store be responsible to yourself and everyone else…buy what you need for a week and there will be enough for everyone.

Ed Townsend provides year around "Beyond The News"coverage in this column with over 60-years of photojournalism analysis and insight. The column can also be read on his Web blog at http://bght.blogspot.com

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