When the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic last March 11, people’s first inclination was to panic-buy or hoard supplies that is more than they actually needed. Essentials such as hand sanitizers, rubbing alcohols, face masks, and tissue rolls were sold out in (what seemed like) a split second. Australia, per se, is currently facing a toilet paper shortage after consumers fearing contagion exhausted all supplies.
But, this shouldn’t be a problem anymore.
A new online calculator now exists to help you calculate how much toilet rolls you actually need—thanks to London-based web developer Dave Stewart. Built within 24 hours (the things people can do during self-isolation) Stewart created an online and mobile app called Got Paper? for three main reasons: To be a useful resource; to show up the hoarding for what it is; and to raise a laugh or two.
The good thing about this app is it’s very simple and straightforward. All you need to do is identify your “poops per day,” “pees per day,” and “extras”, which involve daily and monthly cleanup. Once you’re done, the calculator will give you a total amount of toilet rolls based on the figures you provided.
Speaking to Daily Mail, Stewart mentioned that he developed the website to help the community, as well as, make them realize what hoarding really means.
“I wanted to create something that was going to help the community in what is an incredibly difficult and scary time but also try to add some comic relief to the situation,’ said London-based web developer Dave Stewart, who built the site in just in 24 hour,” Stewart said.
He then went on to say, “In times like this it’s important for us to work together and I hope Got Paper? will help people realize they don’t need to go overboard on stockpiling and encourage everyone to share and help each other where they can.”
To cater to a wider audience, Stewart is currently working on some features—one of which is translating the site into several languages, including Italian and Chinese.
_____
Read more from InqPOP!:
Helicopter pilot transports tourists to police for not ‘self-quarantining‘
Getting bored? Here’s some classic Anime shows you can watch on Toei’s YouTube channel