COVID-19 in Newcastle: Woolworths toilet paper sales limits in NSW amid concerns over panic buying

It follows the decision of grocery rival Coles over the weekend to impose the same purchase limit.

Woolworths said in a statement on Monday that their decision was based on a spike in demand for the product.

Both grocers have repeatedly emphasised there is no need to panic buy toilet paper amid the COVID-19 outbreak as stock is plentiful and supply chains are not disrupted.

"We have plenty of stock in our supply chain, and our team members will be hard at work making sure it flows into our stores in large volumes for our customers," Woolworths NSW general manager Michael Mackenzie said.

"As always, we encourage our customers to be mindful of others in the community and buy only what they need."

Supermarket Aldi has been contacted for comment.

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Supermarkets have never closed amid the pandemic and COVID-19, which is a respiratory illness that does not cause intestinal upset.

Flinders University psychology senior lecturer Dan Fassnacht, an expert in compulsive buying, last month said panic buying served as a balm for anxiety amid the pandemic.

He said the behaviour offered the illusion of control.

The Greater Sydney, Central Coast, Blue Mountains, Wollongong and Shellharbour areas will be under stay-at-home provisions for at least 14 days amid the Bondi COVID-19 cluster.

That cluster on Monday afternoon numbered 130 people.

Australian Associated Press

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