Social media abuzz as people panic buy, shelves being stripped bare across Hunter
Shelves of toilet paper are being stripped bare across Hunter stores as people panic amid a potential coronavirus pandemic. People in shocked at the lengths some are going to.
Newcastle
Don't miss out on the headlines from Newcastle. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Ridiculous. Hilarious. Toilet paper gate has struck the nation.
Shelves are being stripped as panic buying sets in amid the news of a coronavirus pandemic.
And it’s no difference in the Hunter as toilet paper and sanitation items are being cleared, some stores across the region limiting shoppers on their purchases.
Social media has been abuzz with toilet paper memes and criticism of the craze, “people are so stupid,” one Facebook user said.
“I’m in shock and I don’t understand it,” another said.
“The world has gone f**king mad,” one person commented.
While others are suggesting alternatives.
“I used newspaper in the olden days,” one Facebook user joked.
And in the wake of the madness, Hunter Water has also jumped on the bandwagon to remind everyone only ever to flush the three P’s - pee, poo and (toilet) paper.
Other products such as paper towel, tissues and wet wipes don’t break down properly and can contribute to large blockages in water waste systems.
Hunter Water’s Acting Executive Manager Service Delivery for Customers, Glen Robinson, said it’s disgusting and unpleasant for crews to remove sewer blockages, adding it’s also costly.
“It was only recently in late 2019 that we had to remove a 14 tonne blockage from our wastewater treatment plant at Morpeth,” he said.
“The operation required specialist equipment and took several days to complete. We are now preparing to remove yet another one from the same plant.
“Sewer blockages can also cause overflows into the environment and our waterways, as well as in people’s homes, leading to costly plumbing bills for the homeowner.
“Unfortunately they are an issue for water utilities, not only here in Australia, but around the world.”
Amid the toilet paper craziness supermarket giant Woolworths announced in a statement on Wednesday it would apply a limit of four packs per customer transaction.
“Woolworths has today moved to apply a quantity limit on toilet paper packs to ensure more customers have access to the products,” a Woolworths spokesperson said.
“It will help shore up stock levels as suppliers ramp up local production and deliveries in response to higher than usual demand.
“Our teams are continuing to work hard on restocking stores with long-life food and groceries from our distribution centres.”
Hunter Water is also reminding us that drinking water remains safe, with no evidence it will be affected by coronavirus or that it is transmitted by drinking water.
“Our treatment plants include robust processes to ensure that treated drinking water is of a very high quality and complies with the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines,” Mr Robinson said.
“Existing water treatment and disinfection processes, including the use of chlorine, are effective at destroying viruses in water supplies.
“There is no need to buy bottled water for drinking. Safe, clean tap water will continue to be supplied directly to your home every day.”
So from the sentiments of many, “calm down people, it’s only toilet paper”.