The Latest: Everyone was wrong about the toilet paper
Dear Reader,
A couple days ago, senior writer Will Oremus had a hunch about the nationwide toilet paper shortage: Were people really hoarding toilet paper, or was there more to the story? It turns out everyone has been wrong.
As Oremus reports, the toilet paper industry is split into two main markets: commercial and consumer, and the coronavirus pandemic has shifted demand to the latter. With some 75% of Americans under stay-at-home orders, people are no longer using the restroom anywhere but at home. Hence, the demand for more consumer toilet paper. You can read the full story here.
What’s New:
- Antibody testing begins: Colorado’s San Miguel County is working to provide its 8,000 residents with a coronavirus blood test that will be able to tell who has had the virus and didn’t know it. Tests are not widespread yet. Read more.
- An unfortunate milestone: The world has reached over 1 million confirmed cases of coronavirus. There are surely many more than that.
- The latest science: Here are four important new research findings from the past week.
Follow our Medium Coronavirus Blog for regular updates, and read some of the essential stories we’ve curated below.
Be well,
Alexandra Sifferlin
Editor, Medium Coronavirus Blog
P.S. Are you experiencing existential despair, or do you just need to drink some water?
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A Quick Q&A:
Is it really safe to exercise outside?
Exercisers should balance concerns over the coronavirus with personal safety: Do your best to maintain a six-foot distance while passing other runners, but don’t stress if you need to pass someone at a closer range (unless they are coughing or sneezing). If crossing the street feels awkward or dangerous, swerving or stepping out of the way will do. It’s unlikely that the virus would remain infectious in an outdoor area like a public park, where wind, fluctuating temperatures, and UV radiation might affect airborne transmission.
6 Smart Reads
What Everyone’s Getting Wrong About the Toilet Paper Shortage
The Exhausting Balancing Act of Motherhood and Caregiving Right Now
Your Most Paranoid Pandemic Election Questions, Answered
This Looks Like a Depression, Not a Recession
That Viral Quarantine Date Guy’s Story Doesn’t Quite Check Out
How the Black Death Radically Changed the Course of History
Essential How-Tos and Explainers:
Food Delivery Is a Beautiful Thing. Here’s How to Do It Safely.
How to Stock Your Medicine Cabinet Just in Case
Breaking Your Addiction to Breaking News
Everything You Should Know About Using Telemedicine
A Coronavirus Cheat Sheet to Help You Navigate Your Every Freak Out
How to Prevent the Quarantine From Destroying Your Relationship
Some Good News:
Coronavirus Slowdown in Seattle Suggests Restrictions Are Working (New York Times)
Doctors See Flatter Curve in Bay Area After 2 Weeks of Social Isolation (Politico)
