This month supermarkets saw a surge in stockpiling, so much so that shelves were stripped bare of food and supplies, and the panic was compared to that of a war. Is it merely greed, a sense of having something under control, preparing for what potentially is to come or all three in this unpredictable reality of a pandemic that we're living in right now?

On 11th March 2020, the coronavirus, or to be precise, COVID-19, was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization. This meant that the virus was spreading in many countries around the world at the same time. Notably, after this announcement, supermarkets such as Asda and Tesco noticed a surge in customers and the amount they purchased.

On social media, this hasty behaviour was accompanied with the label of panic buying. On Twitter, users shared pictures and videos of empty shelves as well as arguments between customers with the main tug-of-war being on products such as: toilet paper, hand sanitiser, hand wash, tinned food and pasta.

Despite supermarkets insisting that their stock levels are good and that there will be enough food for everyone, as long as they don't bulk-buy more than they need, supermarkets were forced to place restrictions on items- the maximum often being limited to two or three per customer. Following this announcement, there have been introductions of separate, earlier opening times for older and vulnerable people, as well as NHS staff and other key workers.

At this time of uncertainty, it is essential to think first before acting carelessly; think of others, not just yourselves. By embodying this communal mentality, customers can help supermarkets keep their shelves full so that everyone has access to essentials.

By Amber Silva