# Coronavirus--I don't get it.\[hoarding toilet paper\] **URL:** \ **Category:** The Quarantine Zone\ **Tags:** covid-quarantine\ **Created:** [March 8, 2020, 4:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coronavirus-i-dont-get-it-hoarding-toilet-paper/849107 "2020-03-08T16:25:21Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 6
**Author:** ![Isamu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/7c8e57/32.png) [@Isamu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Isamu)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2020, 12:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coronavirus-i-dont-get-it-hoarding-toilet-paper/849107/101 "2020-03-12T00:53:08Z")
It’s coming down to the wire. We have until Friday (tomorrow) to decide to fly or not from Japan to Australia as per our months-before arranged trip with three-year old daughter. What would you do? ---
**Author:** ![VOW](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/vow/32/3043_2.png) [@VOW](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VOW)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2020, 12:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coronavirus-i-dont-get-it-hoarding-toilet-paper/849107/102 "2020-03-12T00:56:17Z")
Me, personally? Not go. Airline cabins recirculate the air, only changing to fresh six times an hour, or something like that. You couldn’t pay me to fly, or take a cruise right now. Of course, I’m an old lady. ~VOW ---
**Author:** ![galen\_ubal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/galen_ubal/32/4440_2.png) [@galen\_ubal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/galen_ubal)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2020, 1:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coronavirus-i-dont-get-it-hoarding-toilet-paper/849107/103 "2020-03-12T01:19:47Z")
IGA in Central Victoria, Australia today. Completely out of toilet paper, lowish on milk, did have some paper towels. Fortunately, I only needed the last two. ---
**Author:** ![Baker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/bb73d2/32.png) [@Baker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baker)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2020, 1:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coronavirus-i-dont-get-it-hoarding-toilet-paper/849107/104 "2020-03-12T01:20:48Z")
I was just in the grocery store. I wasn’t buying TP, but I went down that aisle, and I was startle to see only about 20% of the shelves stocked. I saw no other section decimated like that. Very strange. ---
**Author:** ![galen\_ubal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/galen_ubal/32/4440_2.png) [@galen\_ubal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/galen_ubal)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2020, 1:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coronavirus-i-dont-get-it-hoarding-toilet-paper/849107/105 "2020-03-12T01:30:25Z")
> [@Isamu](#): > > It’s coming down to the wire. We have until Friday (tomorrow) to decide to fly or not from Japan to Australia as per our months-before arranged trip with three-year old daughter. What would you do? H’m. Not a doctor or any sort of medical person. Are all travelers feeling well and healthy? Do any travelers have any particular risk factor? Have any travelers had contact with someone who was or has fallen ill with some respiratory disease, identified as COVID or not? If the answers are yes, no, and no, then I personally would go ahead and go. There is a non-zero chance you may contract COVID (or some other ailment) in your travels, but frankly, not a huge amount more chance than if you were to stay home, IMO. Again, I’m not a medical professional in any way, shape, or form. ---
**Author:** ![Isamu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/7c8e57/32.png) [@Isamu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Isamu)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2020, 1:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coronavirus-i-dont-get-it-hoarding-toilet-paper/849107/106 "2020-03-12T01:34:46Z")
> [@galen\_ubal](#): > > H’m. Not a doctor or any sort of medical person. > > Are all travelers feeling well and healthy? > Do any travelers have any particular risk factor? > Have any travelers had contact with someone who was or has fallen ill with some respiratory disease, identified as COVID or not? > > If the answers are yes, no, and no, then I personally would go ahead and go. There is a non-zero chance you may contract COVID (or some other ailment) in your travels, but frankly, not a huge amount more chance than if you were to stay home, IMO. > > Again, I’m not a medical professional in any way, shape, or form. Yes, no and no. My daughter is only three though, so I worry about her ability to fend off the virus. Hopefully the airport and plane will be uncrowded. We have gloves masks and eye protection. Just watching the news. ---
**Author:** ![JKellyMap](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jkellymap/32/15880_2.png) [@JKellyMap](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JKellyMap)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2020, 1:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coronavirus-i-dont-get-it-hoarding-toilet-paper/849107/107 "2020-03-12T01:45:08Z")
One case in Australia now, my wife just told me. FWIW. ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2020, 1:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coronavirus-i-dont-get-it-hoarding-toilet-paper/849107/108 "2020-03-12T01:45:19Z")
> [@Isamu](#): > > It’s coming down to the wire. We have until Friday (tomorrow) to decide to fly or not from Japan to Australia as per our months-before arranged trip with three-year old daughter. What would you do? I would not go. If you do go, have a contingency plan in case you can not return as anticipated due to travel restrictions or you yourself winding up in quarantine. ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2020, 1:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coronavirus-i-dont-get-it-hoarding-toilet-paper/849107/109 "2020-03-12T01:48:56Z")
> [@Isamu](#): > > Yes, no and no. My daughter is only three though, so I worry about her ability to fend off the virus. Hopefully the airport and plane will be uncrowded. We have gloves masks and eye protection. Just watching the news. Your three year old daughter is not the one at most risk here. Kids, even young kids, don’t seem as badly affected by this virus as adults are. Although, of course, as a parent you worry about your child. It’s entirely normal to do so. Also, you no doubt want to keep everyone as healthy as possible. ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2020, 1:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coronavirus-i-dont-get-it-hoarding-toilet-paper/849107/110 "2020-03-12T01:52:29Z")
> [@JKellyMap](#): > > One case in Australia now, my wife just told me. FWIW. At least two - Tom Hanks and his wife both have it, and both are in Australia. Realistically, there are probably more than just two or three, you just haven’t found them all yet. ---
**Author:** ![Isamu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/7c8e57/32.png) [@Isamu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Isamu)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2020, 1:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coronavirus-i-dont-get-it-hoarding-toilet-paper/849107/111 "2020-03-12T01:59:22Z")
> [@Broomstick](#): > > Your three year old daughter is not the one at most risk here. > > Kids, even young kids, don’t seem as badly affected by this virus as adults are. > > Although, of course, as a parent you worry about your child. It’s entirely normal to do so. Also, you no doubt want to keep everyone as healthy as possible. Yeah, thanks. We might not go. But we’ll probably get it anyway?? lol ---
**Author:** ![galen\_ubal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/galen_ubal/32/4440_2.png) [@galen\_ubal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/galen_ubal)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2020, 2:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coronavirus-i-dont-get-it-hoarding-toilet-paper/849107/112 "2020-03-12T02:20:55Z")
> [@Isamu](#): > > Yeah, thanks. We might not go. But we’ll probably get it anyway?? lol 😃 Dunno if I’d go _that_ far! Really, though, I think the best advice I could give you would be to consult your physician, especially as regards your daughter. I’m just some rando on the interwebs, and that is no replacement for a real, trained medical professional, no matter how well intentioned. In the meantime, you can enjoy [this little ditty on YouTube](https://youtu.be/eNEeq5qGh8I) about the joys of coming to Australia. ---
**Author:** ![nelliebly](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/nelliebly/32/5422_2.png) [@nelliebly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nelliebly)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2020, 3:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coronavirus-i-dont-get-it-hoarding-toilet-paper/849107/113 "2020-03-12T03:30:11Z")
> [@VOW](#): > > Me, personally? Not go. > > Airline cabins recirculate the air, only changing to fresh six times an hour, or something like that. > > You couldn’t pay me to fly, or take a cruise right now. > > Of course, I’m an old lady. > ~VOW No, it’s constantly remixed with fresh air AND filtered. And [it’s quite safe.](https://www.tripsavvy.com/air-quality-during-your-flight-54164) > [@](#): > > In fact, because of the high-efficiency filters on most commercial airlines and the frequency the air is recirculated and filtered, the air you’re breathing on your flight is likely much cleaner and less contaminated than most office buildings and is on par with the air in most hospitals. > > **Air Filtration Systems of Planes** > Most aircraft have strong filter systems. With the exception of some smaller or much older aircraft, airplanes are equipped with True High-Efficiency Particle Filters (True HEPA) or High-Efficiency Particle Filters (HEPA). > > These filtration systems then filter and recirculate the air from the cabin and mix it with fresh air. Or [take it from a pilot](http://https://www.askthepilot.com/questionanswers/cabin-air-quality/). > [@](#): > > Studies have shown that a crowded airplane is no more germ-laden than other enclosed spaces—and usually less. Those underfloor filters are described by manufacturers as being of hospital quality. I needn’t be reminded that hospitals are notorious viral incubators, but Boeing says that between 94 and 99.9 percent of airborne microbes are captured, and there’s a total changeover of air every two or three minutes — far more frequently than occurs in offices, movie theaters, or classrooms. OP, if none of your family is in a high-risk group, I’d go. Of course, Japan and Australia might not want _you_, coming from the germy ol’ US and all. ---
**Author:** ![C3](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/c3/32/3108_2.png) [@C3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/C3)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2020, 3:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coronavirus-i-dont-get-it-hoarding-toilet-paper/849107/114 "2020-03-12T03:52:05Z")
> [@JKellyMap](#): > > One case in Australia now, my wife just told me. FWIW. Do you mean cases of Covid-19 or toilet paper? 😃 Australia currently has 139 cases, 3 deaths. We’ve been keeping a close eye because my husband’s Australian and we have plane tickets to Sydney for June. ---
**Author:** ![Melbourne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b5e925/32.png) [@Melbourne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Melbourne)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2020, 5:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coronavirus-i-dont-get-it-hoarding-toilet-paper/849107/115 "2020-03-12T05:12:26Z")
> [@Isamu](#): > > It’s coming down to the wire. We have until Friday (tomorrow) to decide to fly or not from Japan to Australia as per our months-before arranged trip with three-year old daughter. What would you do? Are you going to be visiting relatives? Or what? Because the Aus government is asking visitors from Japan to seek urgent medical care if you get a cold… At this point, we have more to fear from you than you do from us. And most of the cases in Aus are people returning to Aus – not people visiting tourist locations. So it’s still fairly safe here. But I’d avoid places with a lot of tightly packed American tourists. Which is why I ask what you are planning to do. ---
**Author:** ![TruCelt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/trucelt/32/523_2.png) [@TruCelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TruCelt)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2020, 6:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coronavirus-i-dont-get-it-hoarding-toilet-paper/849107/116 "2020-03-12T06:21:12Z")
> [@Isamu](#): > > It’s coming down to the wire. We have until Friday (tomorrow) to decide to fly or not from Japan to Australia as per our months-before arranged trip with three-year old daughter. What would you do? It’s not just a matter of “Will we die?” No, you almost certainly won’t. But you may find yourself stuck outside the country due to closed borders or grounded flights. This may or may not work in your favor. Do you have the funds available to remain outside the country for a few extra weeks? Or you may find yourselves mildly ill but quarantined in a strange place. What if you are sick but your child is healthy? Do you have friends or family where you are going? If you and your partner were to fall ill there, who would care for your child while you were quarantined? Things are going to get crazy and inconvenient. Hotels may be shut down, or open but without restaurant service. What is your travel resiliency level? Are you the type who can back-pack through Europe with next to no funds? Great,you’ll probably be fine. TBH I’m pretty low maintenance, and I have friends just about everywhere, but I wouldn’t take a young child on a trip right now. ---
**Author:** ![CairoCarol](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cairocarol/32/3825_2.png) [@CairoCarol](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CairoCarol)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2020, 6:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coronavirus-i-dont-get-it-hoarding-toilet-paper/849107/117 "2020-03-12T06:50:18Z")
@ **Seannette** - I don’t know about you but I would sure want a good supply of kitty litter. In a worst-case scenario we may be looking at several weeks of self-isolating. One change of litter is not going to stay fresh and absorbent for that long. (I’ve got lots of cats and cat boxes, but back in the day when I had one cat and one box, I changed the litter at least once a week, often more frequently). ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2020, 10:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coronavirus-i-dont-get-it-hoarding-toilet-paper/849107/118 "2020-03-12T10:30:59Z")
Keep in mind that pet supplies will not be top priority if supply lines are impacted. The authorities will prioritize food for people and medical stuff over kitty litter and kibble. So have some extra on hand for the pets. ---
**Author:** ![Kimera757](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kimera757/32/3765_2.png) [@Kimera757](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimera757)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2020, 10:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coronavirus-i-dont-get-it-hoarding-toilet-paper/849107/119 "2020-03-12T10:40:54Z")
I had to order t-p through Amazon (and most suppliers say you have to wait 1-3 weeks before they can ship it) because the usual stores don’t have any. ---
**Author:** ![Treppenwitz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/treppenwitz/32/3445_2.png) [@Treppenwitz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Treppenwitz)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2020, 1:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coronavirus-i-dont-get-it-hoarding-toilet-paper/849107/120 "2020-03-12T13:32:03Z")
Further news from the Eastern front (ish): Mrs T did the weekly shop this morning in Sainsbury’s (mid to top of the range of supermarkets). She panic bought a bag of bread flour, a bag of pasta and two tubes of tomato puree, and further reports the following shortages (in addition to toilet paper): Almost empty shelves: Chicken breasts, uncooked. Completely empty shelves: Tonic water. Crisis! (Mid to top of the range, see?) j [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coronavirus-i-dont-get-it-hoarding-toilet-paper/849107.md?page=5) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coronavirus-i-dont-get-it-hoarding-toilet-paper/849107.md?page=7)