Panic buying triggered by the spread of coronavirus in Australia has stripped Port Stephens supermarkets and stores of a range of items, most notably toilet paper, face masks and sanitary products.
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Both Woolworths and Coles supermarkets in Port Stephens have reacted by limiting shoppers to four packs of toilet paper as a temporary measure.
Woolworths was first to move to apply a quantity limit to ensure more customers have access to their products.
"As of (last Thursday), the purchase limit of four packs per customer transaction applies in-store and online. It will help shore up stock levels as suppliers ramp up production and deliveries in response to higher than usual demand," a Woolworths spokesperson said.
"Our teams are continuing to work hard on restocking stores with long-life food and groceries from our distribution centres. The vast majority of the products in our range remain available for our customers as normal."
Similarly, a Coles spokesperson said that to ensure all of its customers have access to toilet paper, "a temporary purchase limit of four packs per customer transaction will now apply in-store and online".
"This will help us maintain stock levels in stores while our suppliers increase production and our distribution centres increase deliveries."
Meanwhile, hospitality supplier Port Stephens Packaging has temporarily sold out of toilet paper and hand sanitiser after being inundated with local buyers. Owner Spiro Andrea said that the business moved hundreds of cartons (containing 48 rolls) of toilet paper over the past week.
"We had vehicles queuing up outside the [Taylors Beach] business. We are expecting deliveries in both items sometime this week and we will be looking after local people and our regular customers first and foremost."
In the wake of the toilet paper dilemma, Hunter Water is reminding its customers to only ever flush the Three P's - pee, poo and (toilet) paper.
Other products such as paper towels, tissues and wet wipes do not break down properly and can contribute to large blockages in our wastewater system.
"Not only are sewer blockages disgusting and unpleasant for our crews to remove, they are also expensive," said spokesperson Glen Robinson. "Sewer blockages can also cause overflows into the environment and our waterways, as well as in people's homes, leading to costly plumbing bills for the homeowner."
Hunter Water's drinking water remains safe to drink. There is no evidence that drinking water will be affected by coronavirus or that it is transmitted by drinking water. Safe, clean tap water will continue to be supplied.
