People walk past a sign reading "Wear protective face mask, wash your hands and keep social distancing" as they shop at a night market in Taipei, Taiwan. Photo: ReutersTaiwan has appealed to people to avoid panic buying of items such as instant noodles and toilet paper as new curbs on gatherings and movement take effect to rein in the spread of Covid-19 during a spike in domestic infections. French supermarket chain Carrefour said it was limiting purchases of items such as masks and instant noodles in its Taiwan stores, asking people to buy only what they need. He triggered amusement early last year, during a previous rush for toilet paper, by saying people "only have one butthole" and should calm down. The health ministry brought out its dog mascot, a shiba inu called Zongchai, to reinforce the message on social media.

Source: Otago Daily Times May 16, 2021 19:30 UTC