'Completely neurotic': Psychologists explain why people hoard toilet paper during coronavirus outbreak

Shoppers are wiping stores clean of not only disinfectants and food, but also toilet paper during the coronavirus outbreak. Psychologists offered some insight into why the toiletry is flying off the shelves across the country. "In times of uncertainty, people enter a panic zone that makes them irrational and completely neurotic," Dimitrios Tsivrikos, a lecturer in consumer and business psychology, said to CNBC. "In other disaster conditions like a flood, we can prepare because we know how many supplies we need, but we have a virus now we know nothing about."

Tsivrikos called toilet paper an "icon" of mass panic. "It’s about ‘taking back control’ in a world where you feel out of control," Paul Marsden, a consumer psychologist, said about the buying spree. Sander van der Linden, an assistant professor of social psychology at Cambridge University, said people are engaging in "fear contagion." "When people are stressed, their reason is hampered, so they look at what other people are doing. If others are stockpiling, it leads you to engage in the same behavior," he said. "People see photos of empty shelves, and regardless of whether it’s rational, it sends a signal to them that it’s the thing to do."

The stockpiling comes as President Trump is expected to declare a national emergency in response to the coronavirus outbreak. So far, there have been 1,875 people in 47 states who have gotten the coronavirus, which the World Health Organization declared a pandemic. At least 41 people have died from the virus in the United States.

https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/completely-neurotic-psychologists-explain-why-people-hoard-toilet-paper-during-coronavirus-outbreak

Illinois mayor signs executive order granting power to ban sale of guns and alcohol while addressing coronavirus

The mayor of Champaign, Illinois, gave herself the power to ban the sale of guns and alcohol after declaring a citywide emergency to address the coronavirus. Mayor Deborah Frank Feinen signed the executive order on Thursday declaring a state of emergency for the city. That executive order, which is in line with municipal code, comes with extraordinary powers for the mayor to enact over a short period of time as the city combats the spread of the coronavirus.

Among the powers Feinen gained after signing the executive order was the power to ban the sale of guns, ammunition, alcohol, and gasoline. Feinen could also cut off access to individuals' gas, water, or electricity. The city also has the ability to "take possession of private property" or order the temporary closing of all bars or liquor stores.

Jeff Hamilton, the city's manager, told WAND, "The executive order allows the city to be flexible to properly respond to the emergency needs of our community. None of the options will necessarily be implemented but are available in order to protect the welfare and safety of our community if needeJeff Hamilton, the city's manager, told WAND, "The executive order allows the city to be flexible to properly respond to the emergency needs of our community. None of the options will necessarily be implemented but are available in order to protect the welfare and safety of our community if needed."

The Champaign City Council held a meeting to address concerns about the powers granted to Feinen on Friday. Deputy Mayor Tom Bruno noted that each ordinance considered under the executive order would be ratified by the council. The city also released a statement claiming that the council and the mayor would only take steps "necessary to ensure the health, safety, and welfare" of the city. "The City will keep the public's best interest in mind as we continue to work alongside public health officials and countywide leaders," the council said in a statement. "We understand this is a challenging time but working collaboratively as a community is the best approach to combating this virus."

As of Friday morning, Illinois had 32 confirmed cases of the coronavirus but no cases in central Illinois. On Monday, Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced a disaster proclamation as the state prepared to address the coronavirus.

https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/illinois-mayor-signs-executive-order-granting-power-to-ban-sale-of-guns-and-alcohol-while-addressing-coronavirus