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Coronavirus: Viral sensation Rickey Thompson sums up virus panic

While Australia stockpiles groceries in preparation for the #coronapocalypse, a viral sensation summed up exactly what we’re feeling.

Staff writers
2 min read
March 14, 2020 - 4:52PM
“Take me back to 2019!” Viral sensation Rickey Thompson rants
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Social media’s answer to a health crisis is rarely logical and always tongue in cheek.

And the coronavirus is no different.

Judging by the onslaught of memes born from COVID-19 – of which outbreaks have popped up on most continents and show no signs of slowing down – social media users are doing their best to look on the bright side.

Trending under the hashtag #coronapocalypse, savvy social media users are sharing their tips for making light of the corona crisis.

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Viral sensation Rickey Thompson kicked things off perfectly, summing up exactly what we’ve all felt like lately.

“Take me back to 2019!” he screams in his latest viral post (which has racked up a humble 4.8 million views and counting).

“It wasn’t that bad of a year, I was being dramatic,” he rants to the camera.

Social media users applauded his sentiments, sharing the video en masse.

Thomspon’s rant inspired others, who began asking the same question: “What’s up with 2020?” The memes are alluding to a series of unfortunate events – including the coronavirus outbreak, the death of Kobe Bryant, and Australia’s hellish fire season, just to name a few – that have all unfolded just three months into the year.

Some couldn’t help but rant about all the panic-buying, which has resulted in mass shortages of staple items like toilet paper, pasta and rice.

Some have been quick to point out the stupidity of panic buying, while others are way too amused by the lengths we’ve gone to find dunny paper.

Sadly, anyone who manages to find and make it out of a supermarket with toilet paper at the moment (let alone a multipack) should be super proud of the win.

One sign in particular has been showing up outside small businesses and receiving a lot of love on social media.

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While the idea of quarantine has some people panicked, introverts everywhere are rejoicing.

Amid the travel bans and tightening quarantine laws, some (a very select few) are thankful for the extremely low price of airfare and accommodation at the moment.

Above all, the majority of social media users are keen to point out the blatant disregard our world leaders for their own rules. Despite repeatedly telling the general public to maintain distance from others, avoid shaking hands and touching one’s own mouth/eyes/nose, they just. Keep. TOUCHING.

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Original URL: https://www.news.com.au/technology/online/social/coronavirus-viral-sensation-rickey-thompson-sums-up-virus-panic/news-story/f718f6fe6b1c8b50dfc011e280dad050