The coronavirus pandemic is restricting many people’s lives and driving many to buy hamsters. Why are the toilet paper shelves so often empty? Experts clarify.
- The number of infected people and deaths is also increasing in Germany.
- Toilet paper in particular is a popular product.
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Update from March 19, 4 p.m .: The run on toilet paper continues. In one Mannheimer and a Bremer
Supermarket disputes about the popular product have degenerated.
Many supermarkets are currently restricting the supply of toilet paper per customer, after some panicked sales in recent days.
Corona virus madness: Run on toilet paper leads to attacks and police operations
As the police reported a 47-year-old man wanted to go in on Wednesday Mannheim buy several packs. Because two employees denied him, the man insulted them first and then tried to punch them with his fist. Another customer intervened and reportedly kicked one of the salesmen with his knee on the forehead.
When the police finally arrived, the 47-year-old who started the argument was lying on the floor complaining of pain. He was taken to a hospital and the injured employee went to a doctor.
In case of an incident in Bremen According to the police, a 41-year-old at the cash register lost the version so much that she was “freaky” be.
When an employee wanted to lead the screaming woman out of the shop on Tuesday, she was pushed into a cleaning car by her. The woman’s 45-year-old companion hit his face several times in the face with another salesperson who rushed to help his colleague.
First report from March 18, 11.07 a.m .: Toilet paper constantly out of stock! Experts explain toilet paper hamster purchases
Munich – The Corona virus keeps the world in suspense and dominates the everyday life of many people. Europe has developed into the new epicenter. The situation in Italy is still drastic. The situation is also getting worse in Germany.
In addition to the increase in the number of infected people and deaths, people are concerned with another topic: Hamster purchases.
Corona virus: why are the toilet paper shelves so often empty?
Schools have closed, borders are tight, social contacts should be avoided as much as possible. People buy hamsters.
But while goods such as medication, cigarettes or red wine are at the top of the list in other countries, a good is apparent in Germany In short supply: toilet paper. Why are there in times of Corona virus Sars-CoV-2 suddenly across Germany toilet paper shelves empty? And why aren’t they quickly replenished?
Also read: Virologist contradicts the federal government and gives risk groups completely different advice*
Coronavirus: Retailer Surprised by Rush on Toilet Paper
Apparently retailers were from the Rush on toilet paper downright surprised. In many supermarkets, sales are now limited to one or two packs.
In normal times is the demand for other products, such as milk or Noodles, higher, which is why toilet paper is rarely ordered from supermarkets.
In the modern logistics the point is, a spokesman for the logistics association BGL told the Editorial network Germanythat supplies will be delivered exactly when the last rolls are sold. This mechanism came to an abrupt end with the coronavirus pandemic.
Food Minister Julia Klöckner “No supply shortages” in the coronavirus crisis
Also tried that there was no reason to buy hamsters Minister of Food Julia Klöckner to make people clear. “We currently have no supply bottlenecks in Germany,” said the CDU politician on Saturday the German Press Agency regarding the Corona panic*.
Meanwhile, the said Federal Association of the German Food Trade (BVLH) via Twitterthat the dealers would work relentlessly to produce the food supply and replenish the shelves quickly. “The grocery stores are open as usual,” continued the BVHL.
The dealers are constantly working with their suppliers to ensure the food supply and replenish the shelves quickly. The grocery stores are open as usual. #Hamster purchases #Corona crisis
– BVLH News (@BVLH_Berlin) March 15, 2020
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André Schwarz, Spokesman for the Foreign trade association BGA, told the German Press Agency that the supply had become more difficult and it was throughBorder controls to Delays can come. Still exist no reason to panic. “The nationwide supply of goods is ensured,” said Schwarz and further, “politicians have already taken countermeasures by relaxing the Sunday driving ban for trucks.”
Coronavirus: Psychologists and experts explain the run on toilet paper
However, none of these statements prevent people from buying hamsters. “Toilet paper is the ideal product for hamsters because it is cheap, it lasts forever and it can be used bit by bit,” he says Psychologist Dirk Baumeier across from n-tv. According to Baumeier, one does not have the feeling of making a bad investment, but can still take rolls from the stock years later. “Hamsters are an ancient human need,” says Baumeier.
Experts express another approach. According to this, toilet paper has become one through the images on social media “Symbol for security” developed so Steven Taylor, Professor of psychiatry at the university British Columbia in Canada, as well as fr.de* reported. Another explanation for hamstering hygiene products in general could be our evolutionary aversion to things that disgust us, Taylor said. “I think that’s one of the reasons people stick to the toilet paper because it’s a way to avoid disgust.
Coronavirus hamster purchases: tendency towards zero risk
Health economist Farasatt Bokhari commented: “My guess is that we are Feeling of control want to have and at the same time only have a limited budget. ”Also the phenomenon “Zero risk bias” plays a role, according to economists. People live out a tendency towards zero risk.
Meanwhile, there is new hope for a corona vaccine. However, researchers warn of incalculable risks.
The corona hamster buyers are in full swing. Is another product actually sold out? Meanwhile, many people wonder what they are Symptoms of the coronavirus* are.
* tz.de and fr.de are part of the nationwide Ippen-Digital editors network
List of rubric lists: © picture alliance / dpa / Hendrik Schmidt
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