The shortages we have seen in many supermarkets are utterly unnecessary and reflect badly on the behaviour of some in our communities. We also require responsible reporting in our media so that people are not panicked into unnecessary overstocking at home. The near constant stream of reporting can make people feel unduly anxious and confused and some social media has been disgraceful in its disregard for facts. Try to ensure that information you get comes from reliable and factual sources.
The big supermarket chains deserve our praise and thanks for many of the positive steps that they have taken to ensure continuity of supply for foods and other basic essentials. Some are extending their dedicated shopping hour in the morning to include NHS workers, along with the elderly and vulnerable. They will be given priority over other customers.
Many are continuing to enforce the three item limit across all food products, toiletries and cleaning products to help everyone get what they need. Exceptions have been made for those who need extra supplies such as care homes. They are also asking online customers who are self isolating to let them know so that they can make adjustments to the delivery.
Customers are asked to behave responsibly and remember that purchases they make unnecessarily may mean shortages for others particularly those such as the elderly who are unable to carry large orders home with them. They can also help by using card and contactless payment to reduce the amount of cash being handled, speeding up checkouts and minimising the risk of spreading the virus via bank notes.
Some people have asked that the government introduce a compulsory rationing system but this would be time consuming, complex and difficult to introduce. The answer to the current problem is for people to behave responsibly and remember that they are not the only people who live in the community.
