Supermarkets in the UK are bringing in added restrictions ahead of tightening lockdown rules to avoid the empty shelves seen at the start of the coronavirus pandemic. The Government has not ruled out that the UK could be entering another lockdown following a sharp rise in COVID-19 cases that have arrived with the start of autumn.
Is Tesco rationing items?
The UK’s largest supermarket has announced it will be limiting some key items following the mass panic buying induced in the first lockdown.
It 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.
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.”
The chain has also reminded customers to wear masks in store at all times, with disposable masks are available to buy at the entrance of all branches.
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.”
The decision to limit items comes mere days after the supermarket CEO Dave Lewis warned the public against panic buying.
Lewis described the trend as ‘unnecessary’, adding that it “creates a tension in the supply chain” that can be easily avoided.
They said: “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.”
Morrisons have also reintroduced its queuing system outside of stores – to allow for social distancing and to ensure there are not too many people in the store at once.
The other members of the big four chains, Sainsbury’s and Asda, are yet to impose any restrictions.
Other supermarkets have brought in a variety of rules as the UK ramps up for a second wave of COVID-19.
Asda has created 1,000 new safety marshal roles stationed at the front of every store and in the aisles of larger stores.
Aldi has sent a message to all customers asking them to continue to wear a face-covering in stores and advised staff will be doing the same.