[user104658]

That's one of the most bizarre things about this (and Nicky is right) - actual academics and virologists are NOT really panicking about Covid... yet the public (and even governments) are getting into a frenzy.

So when it comes to stocking up, I'm torn. It really is like the "beast from the east" situation. Do I think my area is suddenly going to end up under a massive virus quarantine? No I think the chances of that are very low. If everyone just shopped as normal there'd be no shortage and it would be fine.

BUT - do I think people are going to get themselves worked up and strip the shelves bare? THAT is very possible. So I'm stuck in that place where I'm considering panic-buying because I know a tonne of other people are going to panic-buy .

Here's a tip though; DON'T PANIC BUY BREAD ffs. The shelves were BARE with the Beast from the East and I can only imagine an absolute tonne of bread ended up going mouldy in people's cupboards . If you want to be stocked for bread, buy a sack of bread flour, a big pack of yeast, and make sure you're stocked on table salt. That's literally it. You can now have as much bread as you want for months.

Also don't panic buy empty carbs that's just daft. Pasta and white rice? Very good you'll have a full belly and zero nutrition. Buy brown rice, whole grains, nuts, beans and pulses. Make sure you're stocked up on things like tinned tomatoes and herbs/spices (of course your kitchen should be already if you're not a neanderthal) to keep things interesting and you're good to go.

Bet it's the bread that flies off the shelves again though .