Categories
pandemic

Rationing Toilet Paper: the difficulty of getting essentials for “essential” workers

Since quarantine, more pleasantly known as shelter-in-place, started & all the shops went wonky to adjust their hours for for more intense cleaning and vulnerable populations special early morning hours—all of which I’m fervently in favor of—it’s been really hard for me to get supplies.

As a night shift nurse, I start officially at 19:00. I can usually get gas or maybe pick up something from the drug store in my way to work, but not much else than that. If I really needed to grocery shop, I always did it right after shift, which officially ended at 07:30–although I’m never fully out the hospitals doors till more like 8 since charge nurse report usually goes long, ugh. Anyway, pre-pandemic, I could stop in my way home. The stores were open… but now, even if they’re open, there’s the line and social distancing and it is a tad complicated for having just worked overnight.

Add to this the panic-induced household goods buying—and even if I get to the store at a convenient time for me (say 2 in the afternoon on my day off), there was definitely a long period where toilet paper, Kleenex, paper towels, hand soap, and even meat, pasta, rice, and things like canned tuna were unavailable. It was ok though, because there were plenty of fruits & veggies! It honestly makes me laugh because the Bay Area has to be the biggest “eat keto” “no carbs” place ever and the stores are still usually sold out of pasta!!! The pandemic has really changed people’s diets.

One thing I was a little nervous about though was the toilet paper situation. At the start of quarantine I had just opened your standard large but not crazy pack of Cottonelle from Target. I was not stressed about it, but I did count my rolls just as an FYI. I had 9 rolls of toilet paper as of March 13. My roommate (and sister) had the same. She keeps track of the TP supplies and our “days in confinement” on the chalkboard calendar on the wall. She’s an extrovert, can you tell?

Cottonelle, you’re my favorite toilet paper.

I had no idea how long 9 rolls of TP would last me but after trying and failing to go grocery shopping a few times, I knew I had to make it last. Eventually my neighbor who knows I work night shift as a nurse came to check and see if I needed any supplies—specifically toilet paper or hand sanitizer. He had bought an entire case, nearly 100 rolls, and a GALLON of hand sanitizer from a restaurant supply store who was not currently supplying many restaurants. This was about a month into quarantine and I did admit to him that I was a little nervous about never being able to buy toilet paper again since it’s not in stock by the time I get to the store— and you can’t order it online. He generously gifted me 5 rolls to add to our house stash…

Now, I do see toilet paper out in the world for purchase. It’s not Cottonelle, my favored brand, but it works the same way. This pandemic has really given me insight into who in my life and at work prefers what kind of TP—and exactly how much they need to feel safe (aka, how much of a hoarder they are). Apparently there is a big divide between the Charming and the Cottonelle crowd. Who knew. I guess it’s like Crest versus Colgate. When you choose, you choose for life.

So how much toilet paper do I have right now? I’m not sure, as we’ve cobbled together a few 4-packs from various places. I think the household (3-4 adults) has 12 rolls. That’s sufficient. But is it _pandemic_ sufficient?

I am proud to report that I now know exactly how much toilet paper I use! I just put my last roll up (of the nine originally counted). I use one roll of TP per week. I mean, I guess I can only say that I use one roll of Cottonelle per week. Not all TP is created equal. Also, new rules instituted during quarantine: 2 squares per pee.

My hope for Stage 2 reopening next week: that I can find some kleenex…