Keep calm, don’t hoard
The images are familiar: grocery store shelves empty of supplies, particularly toilet paper and hand sanitizer.
And despite public health officials urging calm, shoppers are cleaning out those shelves as they try to stock up in case they’re shut in at home for an extended period due to a COVID19 social isolation order.
But let’s be honest: No one needs a shopping cart full of toilet paper. No one needs to fill their trunk with hand sanitizer or antibacterial wipes, even if you are stuck at home for two weeks.
People should stock up, for sure, but health officials advise a more gradual approach. Grab one or two extra items with each visit, for instance.
As Health Canada says: “The reason for stocking up on these items is not necessarily because you will need to self-isolate. Having these supplies on hand will ensure you do not need to leave your home at the peak of the outbreak or if you become ill.”
Let’s give the country’s supply chain some time to catch up. Wholesalers are coping with disruptions from rail blockades (doesn’t that seem like years ago?) and shutdowns among Chinese manufacturers and are doubtless working like demons to restock those shelves. Canada’s supply chain will catch up and any shortages are temporary. The trains are running and the roads are clear.
Retailers could help by limiting purchases in the same way they do during pre-Christmas sales. Also, retail workers are struggling through very difficult shifts. Be nice to them even if you’re in an endless lineup.
It’s true, though, that some are indulging the profit motive too enthusiastically. Those overflowing shopping carts are not all strictly for personal use. Many have taken advantage of the situation by listing on Amazon or eBay and selling these items for profit. A New York Times story that was widely shared told of profiteers buying up huge quantities of hand sanitizer, antibacterial wipes and masks in bigbox stores all over the U.S. for resale at huge markups online. To their credit, both Amazon and eBay cancelled these accounts quickly.
A Vancouver couple was profiled in the Toronto Star as they drove around buying hundreds of cases of Lysol wipes and reselling them online for $89 per six-pack. Amazon shut them down, too.
Profiteering during a national emergency is about as low as it gets. It’s not illegal, but it should be. People need these supplies to keep their homes clean and to reduce the spread of illness.
The most important thing is to stay calm. If you’re nervous about going out, shop during off hours, when crowds subside. Buy only what you need. Check with your elderly neighbours to see if they need anything.
Wash your hands.
And stop touching your face.