Prosecuting the argument that panic-buying in supermarkets is madness has been undertaken in several newspapers and across social media. A point not made, however, is that leaving supermarket shelves empty will actually increase the spread of this virus. An undiagnosed carrier of coronavirus may visit up to six or seven supermarkets to secure toilet paper instead of only one. If several patrons are contacted each time, the evidence becomes clear. The major supermarkets must immediately introduce purchase restrictions on critical products. No shelves should be allowed to be bare. People are certainly their own worst enemies in these times. Alan Sexton, North Parramatta 17Mar2020.