Shoppers were seen forming huge snaking queues into supermarkets across the UK this weekend as the nation prepares to spend more time isolating at home.

Despite the government’s coronavirus guidance not specifying any lockdown measures people are preparing for the worst with panic buying and stockpiling continuing up and down the country.

Outside Costco stores in Cardiff, London and Manchester, massive queues spread into car parks. In Watford, the queue to enter stretched along the road outside.

Shoppers reported seeing people waiting outside before stores even opened while some of the country’s biggest retailers are urging people not to panic buy in order to leave stock for those who really need it.

Many stores have sold out of toilet roll, hand sanitiser and dried goods like pasta or tinned beans.

Empty shelves and sold-out aisles have become commonplace as some fear they will need to spend more time indoors, but retailers are asking people to buy only what they need.

Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, said: ‘Our members are working hard to ensure consumers have access to the products they need. Even where there are challenges, retailers are well-versed in providing effective measures to keep retail sites running smoothly, and they are working with suppliers to increase the supply of goods.

‘Retailers are currently facing a rise in demand for certain products unprecedented outside of the Christmas period. However, this is largely been limited to hygiene, health and longer shelf-life food products.’

In an email to customers this weekend, Sainsbury’s chief executive Mike Coupe wrote: ‘There are gaps on shelves because of increased demand, but we have new stock arriving regularly and we’re doing our best to keep shelves stocked.

‘Please think before you buy and only buy what you and your family need.’

At Asda, a tannoy in store has been heard replaying messages every minute warning people not to panic buy or stockpile.

Some supermarkets have a limited the supply of certain items such as toilet roll and hand sanisiter, with Boots and Costco putting a two-bottle limit in place.

There are concerns supermarkets will also have to begin rationing certain items to ensure all customers can get what they need.

Meanwhile supermarkets in Australia have announced plans to close to the general public for an hour each day in order to allow for vulnerable people to shop away from the crowds.

The UK government is holding another emergency meeting today to discuss the country’s response to the virus. Boris Johnson has faced criticism for not going further in efforts to stop the virus spreading.

Last week, the government’s top scientific adviser warned the UK is around four weeks behind Italy in terms of the spread of Covid-19, which has so far killed 1,809 in the European epicentre.

Source:
courtesy of METRO

by Zoe Drewett

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