Panic buying and hoarding of various groceries and cleaning supplies have become new trends in the wake of coronavirus. Many Americans are concerned about whether or not they’ll be able to leave home; with rampant reports of various quarantines comes the unrest about where the next quarantines will place and how long they’ll last.
“President Trump Signs a National Emergen” (Public Domain) by The White House
Yesterday, President Trump urged Americans to abstain from panic buying and hoarding during a White House press briefing. According to Breitbart News, Trump also reminded the nation that there are “plenty” of groceries to go around.
One of the most ironic aspects of panic buying is that it’s been happening all at once and amongst large quantities of individuals. This inherently counteracts “social distancing,” a collective behavior pattern that many folks are being advised to follow in the wake of COVID-19.
Trump on Panic Buying and Stocking Grocery Stores
When addressing the nation, Trump told Americans to “relax” and stop buying out grocery stores. The president’s discouragement against hoarding occurred after a phone chat with CEOs of top grocery store chains like Target, Walmart, Costco, Meijer, Whole Foods, and others. Trump explained that the CEOs of these businesses asked him to request that the public lay off on panic buying.
Later in his address, Trump furthermore stated that grocery stores across the nation will remain stocked. Uncertainties about the potential longevity of food supplies is yet another factor which has contributed to panic buying and the hoarding of various goods. Finally, the president informed America that our nation will do “whatever it takes” to continue serving the public.
Will Panic Buying Subside?
In truth, panic buying will likely decrease to some degree. Putting the president’s address aside, Americans can only hoard so many groceries at once in their homes; likewise, people’s bank accounts can only handle so much money going towards groceries at one time.
“Coronavirus Press Conference” (Public Domain) by The White House
As this new week kicks off, leaders in Washington are still working on appropriate bills to combat the spread of COVID-19. Likewise, governments at the city and state levels are taking steps of their own to protect citizens.
What do you think about President Trump’s address regarding panic buying and supply hoarding? Do you believe Americans will heed his warnings and lay off of mass purchases for awhile? Let us know in the comments section below!
