The television news bulletins have been full of how the coronavirus has sparked panic buying from people fearing the worst, with empty shelves the result. With that in mind, we decided to send our own fearless reporter BELINDA-JANE DAVIS out into the fray at the local supermarkets to see how Maitland was dealing with the crisis.
"I've got it love, don't worry, I've got it."
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A man in his 40s stood in line at the Woolworths checkout at Pender Place with his phone wedged between his ear and shoulder. His hands were firmly gripped on more than 100 rolls of toilet paper - and he wasn't about to let go.
The woman's voice on the other end of the phone promptly returned to a normal volume as a sense of calm set in.
It was every person for themselves in Maitland's toilet paper trenches this week. If you dared to delve into the world that is panic loo paper buying, you will not forget the experience in a hurry.
And it's not just Maitland that has become obsessed: the panic has also gripped Kurri Kurri, Cessnock, Port Stephens, Newcastle and many other parts of the country.
Toilet paper, including single squares, have even appeared for sale online. One packet of 10 rolls was being advertised, as a joke, for $8000.
It was like a Boxing Day sales stampede when a Woolworths staff member appeared with a pallet load of toilet paper and started unwinding the plastic holding the stash together.
Shoppers came from all corners of the store and they were quick - arms outstretched ready to pounce.
When there was only one left - five minutes after the pallet arrived, the remaining shoppers stood eyeing off their opponents - probably wondering what the etiquette was around toilet paper.
Finally one shopper soon took the plunge, scooped it up and made a run for the checkout.
Another pallet appeared soon after and the same thing happened.
Read more: Plea to stay calm as shoppers panic buy
The chaos left supermarket staff in disbelief. They are still wondering why toilet paper is so critical in the fight against the coronavirus, which is a respiratory illness.
Those courageous enough to stick around and finish their shopping were repeatedly interrupted by eager strangers brimming with curiosity over the rolls in the trolley.
"Where did you find that?," they'd ask. Others were approached by a fellow shopper who asked "how much are you paying for it? I'll give you $20 if you hand it over to me."
Meanwhile, shoppers kept making a beeline for the toilet paper isle as soon as they arrived.
Some then proceeded to walk up and down the rest of the rows - just in case there was a secret stash.
A few shoppers admitted they had to get involved when they saw everybody rushing for it, just in case they'd missed something and those people had insider information.
One woman even drove from Newcastle after her local store had sold out, and she left empty handed.
An elderly man had already been to two other supermarkets when he arrived at Woolworths at Pender Place on the great toilet paper chase, but he was also out of luck.
Read more: Maitland dodges economic coronavirus bullet
Another man, in his 50s, decided to stack his trolley with packets of paper towels so he had something to use regardless.
Antibacterial hand sanitiser, and handwash, were also sold out.
The hoarding has brought out the worst in people - there was an attempted stabbing in Sydney, and a man had to be tasered in Tamworth, over toilet rolls.
On the bright side, drought-stricken Coonabarabran has a large supply of toilet paper.
How do you feel about a four-hour drive?
Belinda-Jane Davis
Passionate about community news
Passionate about community news
