Texans panic once more as Texas tops 1 million COVID-19 instances

It’s happening again! Texans pluck food shelves clean of toilet paper, paper towels, milk, beans, rice and other products.

Last weekend, Texas exceeded a million coronavirus cases, making the Lone Star State the only state to hit that dismal threshold. The nation as a whole has resolved 10 million cases, more than any other country in the world.

Health officials have warned Texas is headed for a second wave of COVID-19 that could be far worse than the first wave we saw this spring and summer. The upcoming holiday season, more family reunions, colder weather, and more people indoors for longer periods of time together create the perfect environment for the rapid spread of COVID-19 cases.

According to research firm IRI, 16% of household cleaners and 19% of paper products like toilet paper and paper towels were out of stock for the week ending Nov. 1, CNN reported.

Kroger has started restricting the purchase of disinfectant wipes, toilet paper, and paper towels for personal and online purchases.

HEB has set limits on toilet paper and paper towels for its operations in the Rio Grande Valley, central Texas, Gulf Coast, and San Antonio regions. Below are the limitations for each business.

HE-B’s restrictions on TP and paper towels currently only apply to stores in central Texas. The following restrictions apply in all HEB branches in Texas:

• Disinfectant and antibacterial sprays – limit 2
• Disinfectant and antibacterial wipes – limit 4
• Hydrogen peroxide limit 2
• Rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol / swab – limit 2
• First aid and cleaning gloves – limit 2
• Disinfectant wipes / sprays in test and travel size – Limit 2

There are restrictions on bath towels and paper towels in grocery stores across the country.
You can find more information about shopping during the pandemic here.