From Japan, Australia to the United States is witnessing an influx of toilet paper and masks to an unreasonable level when the fear of nCoV increases.

The images on social media show that the influx of people at the supermarket and emptying the shelves are adding to the confusion in the battle with Covid-19.

Australia's largest supermarket this week began restricting purchases of toilet paper after police were brought to a store in Sydney due to a scuffle involving the item. On Monday, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo on Twitter urged people to calm down against a nationwide shortage of goods, while US supermarkets also ran out of toilet paper.

Psychologists say a combination of crowd psychology and the over-watching of Covid-19 news led to the shopping crisis.

"We might be less irrational without having too much information on risks," said Kate Nightingale, a consumer psychologist in London. "We either avoid this topic or become completely crazy and reserve anything we may need."

The panic shopping of non-meaningful items like toilet paper "gives people the feeling that 'I will have what I need when I want it'", Andy Yap, a psychologist , and Charlene Chen, marketing and business expert in Singapore, shared their views.

Singapore also witnessed the toilet paper craze when rumors spread that factories in China would be closed due to Covid-19. Viewing too much unverified information on social media also "distorts perception and makes us think things are more serious than they actually are," the two experts added.

As panic increased, things like masks and handwash turned into "psychological reassurance" items for people from viruses. Disposable medical masks are increasingly sought after by China, the world's leading mask manufacturer, restricting exports to meet domestic demand.

Last month, tens of thousands of people lined up at a store in Hong Kong just to buy a mask and a few days later, it was voted as Valentine's favorite gift.

In London, masks are being pushed 100 times higher than normal retail prices, while French officials say they will take advantage of all the reserves and manufacture of masks. "The demand for masks has increased sharply due to panic, stockpiling and speculation," said World Health Organization (WHO) spokesman Fadela Chaib.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say the agency "does not recommend the use of masks" to combat Covid-19. However, in crowded cities where other people have worn masks, the use of this item can provide a sense of security.

"You don't want to be a weird person among people," says Nightingale, an expert in London. "Following any needs that society imposes on us is a primitive instinct."

As more countries recorded new cases of nCoV, Yap and Chen said officials needed to "reset control" over the information and rumors that led to the crazy storage and inventory. .

"In times of instability, it's best to set rules, because they bring order and control," the two experts said.

Governments also need to clearly explain the new rules and why they are important in the battle with nCoV. However, according to Nightingale, the growing disbelief in health officials in Western countries can make this difficult.

"They can invite famous faces to assist. David Attenborough can be a suitable representative for customers over 40," Nightingale said, referring to the 93-year-old British broadcaster. "For younger people, they can invite influential faces on social media."