Toilet Paper
On Friday afternoon I was standing in line at Walgreens, buying some ice cream in celebration of my boys’ great parent/teacher conferences. The night before we had learned that school would be cancelled for 3 weeks starting Monday because of the Corona-virus pandemic. We were warned to stay away from crowds, isolate ourselves from people, and yea, wash our hands. So, to stay away from the mob at the grocery store, I walked into Walgreens for ice cream.
I overheard the manager on the phone, speaking with someone who was inquiring about their restocking schedules. They were probably looking for toilet paper. Or Clorox wipes. Both of which are in high demand these days. The manager kept repeating herself, that she didn’t know, that the trucks come at different times, and no, she cannot hold any items for her. Then she said, “People have actually been following our trucks around town, waiting for them to unload. It’s pretty crazy!”
That last statement really scares me. People are following trucks around? How far will this go?
Welcoming our newest bundle of joy.
Growing up in New Orleans, I’m no stranger to prepping for doomsday. Before every hurricane, we would stock up on non perishable foods, candles, flashlights and batteries, water, ice in ice chests… we were equipped to not have clean water or electricity for a while. I don’t ever remember stocking up on toilet paper.
The thing is, as bad as a storm could be, there was a forecast for it. There was an end to the gathering of supplies. “Hurricane in the Gulf, it’ll make landfall on Tuesday, and will reach us around 4-5pm.” Ok. I have 3 days to prepare for this, and then we deal with the damage afterwards. With covid-19, we have no idea when this storm is coming. Or if it’s coming, or how. Who? So when does the frenzied prep end? Are people going to be this nutso 2 weeks from now? Still grabbing every last roll of toilet paper as the clerks restock the shelves? Will they still be following Walgreens trucks around? What will desperation look like then?
Nola isn’t too sure about this
People’s reaction to this pandemic scares me more than the virus itself. It seems that we have one extreme or the other. Lines around the block to hoard toilet paper and supplies and fighting in parking lots. Or gathering crowds for spring break and St Patrick’s Day despite orders to stay home, possibly spreading this thing more.
I’ll stay home with my dogs and my kids. And my toilet paper.
What are you doing to keep yourself and your loved ones safe during this weird time?
