While health experts worry about keeping COVID-19 contained, a lot of people seem to be in a panic and buying everything as the wipe local store shelves clean of several products.
Social media is full of photos showing empty toilet paper shelves and hand sanitizer bins as people stock up on items they feel they’ll need should the coronavirus situation worsen locally.
Barrie stores were full of shoppers Saturday, but there were no signs of panic.
Margo Sturgess, who was leaving Wal-Mart on Bayfield Street Saturday morning, told BarrieToday she was in and out, but does believe the lack of items on shelves is a little odd.
“I actually just needed toilet paper and baby food, but it is a little crazy in there,” she said. “There is no tuna on the shelves, no pasta, so that is a little nuts.
"It was calm, just workers stocking empty shelves quickly," Sturgess added.
The provincewide shopping frenzy led to Deputy Premier and Minister of Health Christine Elliott and Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Ernie Hardeman issuing the following statement Saturday afternoon relating to grocery buying habits and COVID-19 in Ontario:
"The health and well-being of the people of Ontario is our government's No. 1 priority. Ontarians can be confident that our food supply is robust and that our distribution system will continue to operate and remain responsive to the needs of Ontarians," the statement said. "Rest assured, we have plenty of food that will continue to reach grocery stores on a regular basis.
"Our food supply chain is one of the strongest in the world and our government remains committed to ensuring Ontarians can access healthy and nutritious Ontario-produced foods," the ministers added. "Please practise normal grocery buying habits and rest assured that our grocery production and supply chain will continue to provide Ontarians with the food we enjoy each and every day."
The hysteria on social media doesn’t overly concern Sturgess, but with her baby in mind, she wants to be careful.
“I worry about it a little bit, only because I have an infant. I don’t take her anywhere right now, but that’s about it,” said Sturgess. “I’m not terribly concerned in the big picture, just taking necessary precautions.”
Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit medical officer of health Dr. Charles Gardner says it's important for people to have the essentials in case of a quarantine situation.
But he also reminds people that excessive buying isn’t necessary.
“We want people to take a measured approach to this, take a look at their home environment and ask themselves what they need should they be quarantined for a couple weeks,” Gardner said. “We suggest they build up their stocks of food and medications at a more gradual pace.
"Panicking isn’t good; preparing is," the doctor added.
Dave Rydall, who was at No Frills on Blake Street, says he believes the need for items isn’t so much people afraid of a shutdown of stores and services, but rather a case of others blowing things out of proportion.
“I came for toilet paper and got here a little late, at 8:30 a.m.,” Rydall said. “I’ve got some left and live alone, so I’ll be fine.
"I just think some people are spending too much time scrolling memes on Facebook and feel like the need for toilet paper is crucial," he added.
