Coronavirus panic buying increase at Australian stores - toilet paper, bottled water first to go

Major supermarkets throughout Australia are running out of stock as customers panic buy supplies amid a potential coronavirus outbreak. The aisles in Coles in Claremont, Perth were unusually empty on Saturday as shoppers stockpiled the essentials One shopper was shocked to realise her local supermarket in Hornsby, Sydney, was entirely sold out of pasta A Costco in Casula, Sydney, sold out of all toilet paper and bulk bottles of water this week Instead, authorities are putting certain travel bans in place and taking the necessary precautions to slow the inevitable spread. Pasta, tinned food, bottled water, toilet paper and hand sanitiser have been the most in-demand items at supermarkets across the nation - and plenty of stores aren't able to keep up with demand. Westfield Booragoon, in Perth, also experienced bare supermarket shelves after customers began stockpiling The global coronavirus death toll surpassed 3,000 following a sudden spike in Italian cases Woolworths in Doncaster, Melbourne, was stripped bare this week as shoppers stocked up on supplies On Saturday, Coles in Claremont, Perth, was brimming with people as they stocked up on what was left in store. Pictured: Safeway Camberwell, Victoria Toilet paper and soap supplies were running low in supermarkets in Manuka, Canberra FOOD AND HOUSEHOLD ITEMS TO STOCKPILE IN A PANDEMIC Extra prescription medications, asthma relief inhalers Over-the-counter anti-fever and pain medications Feminine hygiene products Family pack of toilet paper Vitamins Alcohol-containing hand rub Household cleaning agents and soap Tissues, paper towel Cereals, grains, beans, lentils, pasta Tinned food – fish, vegetables, fruit Oil, spices and flavours Dried fruit and nuts Ultra-heat treated or powdered milk Soft drink or candy/chocolate for treats Pet food and care Source: Virology Down Under by University of Queensland virologists Dr Ian Mackay and Dr Katherine Arden Tinned goods were also running low in a Coles supermarket in Manuka, Canberra One of Australia's leading survivalists said people should start bulking up their weekly shop before the virus' spread leads to food supply shortages.