The coronavirus pandemic has seen unprecedented levels of panic buying, particularly prior to the beginning of the March lockdown, as worried Brits sought to stock up their shelves. Supermarkets have urged shoppers not to panic buy as they have plenty of stock to go around – but some supermarkets have put restrictions in place to stop stock disappearing quicker than it can be replenished.
Tesco
The UK’s largest supermarket has announced it will be limiting some key items following the mass panic buying induced in the first lockdown.
Tesco has revealed there will now be a three-item limit on key items such as flour, dried pasta, toilet roll, baby wipes and antibacterial wipes.
There will also be some restrictions on tinned goods, although which goods have not yet been outlined and good be at the discretion of the individual store.
A Tesco spokeswoman said on Friday: “We have good availability, with plenty of stock to go round, and we would encourage our customers to shop as normal.
“To ensure that everyone can keep buying what they need, we have introduced bulk-buy limits on a small number of products.”
A statement from Tesco reads: “To help our customers shop safely, we will also have colleagues at the entrances of our larger stores to remind customers about the safety measures we have in place, including the legal requirement to wear a face covering.”
Morrisons
Morrisons has been the first supermarket to reinstate COVID rationing during the UK’s second wave.
Morrisons brought back limits on toilet roll, disinfectants and bleach to a maximum of three, as well as reinstating a queuing system outside shops to limit the amount of people inside.
A Morrisons spokesperson told ITV news: “We are introducing a limit on a small number of key products, such as toilet roll and disinfectant.
“Our stock levels of these products are good but we want to ensure that they are available for everyone.”
Other supermarkets have brought in a variety of rules as the UK ramps up for a second wave of COVID-19.
Security guards and team members will be at the supermarket entrance to keep track of how many people are entering the store.
A spokesman said: “To help you plan your next store visit, we’ve put a traffic light system in place so you can find the quietest time to shop.
“Of course some stores will vary slightly, and make sure you check your local store opening hours too.”