COVID-19 wipes toilet paper off store shelves. When it returns, you can thank Port Manatee
The American public has responded to the novel coronavirus and COVID-19 threat, at least in part, by making a run on toilet paper, wiping supermarket shelves clean.
Port Manatee is doing its part to restock those shelves by offloading wood pulp products that will be made into toilet paper and other paper products.
Those wood pulp products go to manufacturers such as Kimberly Clark, Scotts and Georgia Pacific to produce name-brand and store band products.
Port Manatee operations have been unimpeded by the pandemic, Carlos Buqueras, the port’s executive director, said Tuesday.
Not only are wood pulp shipments arriving on a regular basis, but other essentials, such as as gasoline and fresh fruits are as well, he said.
“The ship traffic continues to flow, and the trucks that distribute the cargo continue to flow,” Buqueras said. “The supply chain of fruits by Del Monte and World Direct Shipping is up and running.”
Those fruits include bananas, pineapples, and avocados.
Each week, the port handles about 20 to 25 ship arrivals and departures.
Port Manatee operates with a staff of about 100.
“We are taking all appropriate measures for the port staff in contact with customers and the general public to be safe.” Buqueras said, estimating that 10 to 15 employees are now working from home.
This story was originally published March 17, 2020 at 2:49 PM with the headline "COVID-19 wipes toilet paper off store shelves. When it returns, you can thank Port Manatee."
