By Mitchell Clarke
Supermarket shelves have again started to be stripped across the Cardinia Shire, as tougher restrictions are implemented.
Both Coles and Woolworths have been forced to reinstate purchase limits after crowds began to congregate and clear products following Sunday’s Stage 4 announcement.
Woolworths has reinstated a purchase limit of two items per customer across at least 50 product categories in Victoria, both in-store and online, following a huge increase in demand.
Woolworths managing director Claire Peters said the limits would help ensure more customers have fair access to fresh food and essentials.
“We understand this is an anxious time for our Victorian customers, but we encourage everyone to continue shopping as they usually would and only buy what they need,” Ms Peters said.
“Stock will continue to flow from our distribution centres and as an essential service, Woolworths supermarkets remain open to support customers’ food and grocery needs.
“We ask that our customers continue to adhere to our social distancing and hygiene measures while in store and continue to treat our team and each other with respect while shopping.”
Meanwhile, Coles have put a temporary two pack limit on mince meat, chicken breasts and thighs, in addition to the existing two pack per customer limit on hand sanitiser and one pack per customer limit on face masks.
No other purchase limits currently apply, with the exception of the standard national four unit limit on infant formula.
“We ask that you only buy what you need to ensure everyone in our community can purchase the products they need,” a Coles spokesperson said.
“Our team members are working as hard as possible to keep shelves stocked and based on current buying behaviour, we will review these limits daily.”
Coles has announced all metropolitan stores will close at 7.45pm, with the last customer allowed to enter at 7.30pm, in line with the 8pm curfew.
This will apply to all Coles supermarkets, Liquorland, Vintage Cellars, First Choice and First Choice Liquor Market stores.
Supermarkets have been deemed an essential service throughout the entire Covid pandemic and will continue to remain open.
“Of course, there’ll be some common-sense exceptions. If your closest supermarket is further than five kilometres, you can still shop there,” Premier Daniel Andrews said.
Only one person per household is allowed to travel for shopping per day.
