Police arrested two suspects and tracked three more in the robbery of 600 rolls of toilet paper amid Hong Kong's lack of the item due to the corona virus.

Two 49 and 54-year-old men were arrested this afternoon, but Hong Kong officials have not released their identities. The number of toilet paper was found at a guesthouse on Sai Yee Street, not far from where the robbery occurred. Hong Kong police are continuing to track down three suspects in their 20s and 30s.

The three masked men previously used a knife to control a truck driver outside the supermarket in Mong Kok district, which has been a long-standing operation of the Triads. The suspects claimed 600 rolls of toilet paper worth HK $ 1,600 (over US $ 205).

Toilet paper has become scarce in Hong Kong since the corona pneumonia (Covid-19) epidemic broke out in Wuhan, capital of Hubei province in mainland China. Although the city government tried to reassure the people, Hong Kong people still lined up at the supermarket and bought clean toilet paper after it was rumored that the item would be exhausted due to supply disruption from mainland China.

The "hunt" of consumers makes Hong Kong supermarkets unable to immediately supply more goods, leading to a shortage of toilet paper.

Besides toilet paper, basic supplies such as rice, pasta, hand sanitizer and sanitary products are all purchased by Hong Kong residents. Officials blame the false rumors online, pledging a steady supply of food and household goods.

The Covid-19 epidemic broke out in Wuhan from December 2019, spreading to 27 countries and territories. Worldwide there are 71,330 cases of infection, 1,775 deaths and 10,607 people cured. Hong Kong recorded 57 infections and one death. The city government has closed 10 border gates with China to prevent the virus from spreading.