If you have been shopping in Lane Cove this week, you will have seen the shelves in Woolworths and Coles have been stripped of staples like toilet paper, tissues, rice, noodles, pain relief tablets and more.
This panic buying is due to fear about the Coronavirus. People are stockpiling in case there is a pandemic.
Today Scott Morrison held a press conference and advised Australians he had spoken to both Coles and Woolworths about supplies. The Prime Minister said he was confident people would take his advice to “go about their daily business” as usual.
Experts agree with the Prime Minister The Guardian quoted an expert on infectious diseases who said:
“There’s no need to stockpile food, medicine, petrol or anything at this stage,” says Prof Nigel McMillan, director of infectious diseases and immunology at the Menzies Health Institute at Griffith University in Queensland. “We don’t wish to induce panic buying when, for 95 to 99% of the population, this’ll be a mild cold, nothing more. Plus, once we’ve had this strain, we’ll become immune to it.”
Dr Tony Barton, President Australian Medical Association has noted the public’s reaction to the Coronavirus has been disproportionate.
Dr Bartone said, “there’s no reason to go out and panic buy”.
Local Member’s Response
Our local member Anthony Roberts issued the following statement today:
“We have a considerable number of constituents with mobility issues or physical and mental disability that restricts their ability to shop. Panic buying and hoarding mean they cannot access essential accessories to maintain their hygiene and health.
COVID-19 is an issue, but not one that we cannot overcome. I request my constituents to act responsibly so that we can overcome it together.”
Local Woolworth’s Response
One ITC roving reporter told us the following:
“I was at Woolies this morning just doing my usual grocery shop. At the checkout, the man in front of me had 15-20 boxes of facial tissues.
The man behind checkout (Matt. I think he may have been the manager) very politely explained to the customer that this is not the end of the world and that we are lucky to live in a country well prepared to deal with this situation. I don’t think that man took any notice, it was like water off a duck’s back.
Matt then explained to me that this panic buying is seriously affecting customers in need. Especially the old and the infirm who often walk up once a day to get their most basic supplies. He also said their staff copped a lot of abuse yesterday.
I really hope we are able to calm our fears. Yes buy an extra packet or three, just don’t go mental. I’m not sure we’re at Armageddon yet. Also pls check all your facts. Don’t let everything you hear on the news alarm you. Know that you are safe. Yes this virus can be deadly, but only if you have serious underlying health issues.
Please Lane Cove. Let’s all be sensible.”
On Wednesday 4th March 2020 Woolworths imposed a limit of 4 packs of toilet paper per customer.
Coles Supermarket Response
ITC contacted Coles Supermarket and asked if they would be imposing limits on certain items. This is their response:
“Coles has increased the number of deliveries to stores this week to improve availability on popular products, such as long-life pantry staples and healthcare items and our teams are working hard to fill the shelves as quickly as possible.
Like many retailers, we currently have a shortage of some antibacterial handwashes and hand sanitiser products due to high customer demand.
We are continuing to work with our suppliers to maintain availability for customers.”
Kleenex Australia
Kleenex Australia posted on their Facebook site the following:
Australia, don’t panic! We are working around the clock at our mill in South Australia to keep the supermarket shelves stocked with Kleenex Complete Clean toilet paper. As you can see we won’t be running out anytime soon. 🚽🧻🧻🧻
Please think seriously about limiting your purchases so that customers in need have access to the products they require.
Want to Be In the Know and Impress Your Friends With Your Up To Date Knowledge of Lane Cove?
To make sure you don’t miss Lane Cove info sign up to our newsletter. It comes out every Wednesday Night at 7.30 pm and includes a wrap up of everything posted on our Facebook site in the previous week.
Did you know that In the Cove has an instagram page? Yes we do and we feature pictures from our roving reporters and our ITC team that do not appear on our Facebook page. Follow us on @inthecove
