Food rationing may be introduced if greedy coronavirus shoppers continue to ignore warnings to stop panic buying
MANIC hoarders laid siege to shops today after ignoring pleas to keep calm and buy only what they need.
The Government and food bosses had called for an end to panic buying — and ministers signalled they may now ration certain products if the mob mentality in stores continues.
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Health Secretary Matt Hancock implored selfish shoppers to “behave responsibly” and “consider the impact that their stocking up might have on others”.
He spoke after video emerged of customers lining up with trolleys for up to 40 minutes before supermarkets opened.
A Costco in Manchester was swamped while queues outside the branch in Watford were hundreds of yards long.
Footage taken inside that store later recorded warnings there were “only a few left” of its 40-roll toilet paper packs.
ARMY CALLED IN
Mr Hancock told BBC1’s The Andrew Marr Show today: “We of course stand ready to take further measures if that’s necessary.”
He even signalled the Army might be called in to help keep order at tills.
Later a government source confirmed rationing could be on the cards.
They told The Sun: “There’s a whole load of interventions that we’ve been considering. We’re prepared for all eventualities.”
They said the decision would “depend on what’s happening on the ground”.
And they added: “We’re really clear that we’ll take whatever it takes to keep the public safe and we’ll do whatever it takes to ensure life can continue as close to normal as possible.”
Earlier, the British Retail Consortium’s members published a joint letter urging consumers to help ensure there is enough food for everyone.
It said: “We are doing everything we can so that you and your families have the food and essentials you need. But we need your help too.
“We understand your concerns, but buying more than is needed can sometimes mean that others will be left without.
“There is enough for everyone if we all work together.”
The plea came as the UK coronavirus death toll rose to 35.
Tonight it stands that there are 1,372 confirmed cases in the country.
But the call proved timely as Greater Manchester Police told of being repeatedly called to a Morrisons in Reddish, Stockport.
We understand your concerns, but buying more than is needed can sometimes mean that others will be left without.
British Retail Consortium members
Bosses there had limited the amount of toilet roll, shampoo, and soap customers could buy — only for some to try and run out with more.
Shelves at Tesco in Clifton Moor, York, were stripped of loo roll, pasta and bleach.
THINK OF THE VULNERABLE
In Burnley, Aldi store manager Scott Slater wrote on Facebook: “I am going to now implement two per customer on nappies and toilet rolls (you or your child won’t s**t more because of this crisis) and on tinned food. Sharing is caring.”
Sainsbury’s chief executive Mike Coupe also urged shoppers to think about the elderly and vulnerable.
He wrote: “Think before you buy and only buy what you and your family need.
“I wanted to personally reassure you that we have more food and other essential items coming to us from manufacturers and into our warehouses and distribution centres.
“If we all shop just for the food that we and our families need, there will be enough for everyone.”
Meanwhile police were called in after the shortage of hand sanitiser saw a man swipe a bottle from a hospital ward.
Northampton General Hospital had been targeted before — with dispensers ripped from walls — but it is understood to be the first time cops are actively tracking a thief.
A police spokeswoman said: “It really is appalling how people can consider stealing from our exceptionally hardworking NHS, especially at a time where they will be hugely busy and stretched.”
St John’s Hospital in Livingston, Scotland, has resorted to using cable ties to bind dispensers to barriers.
Jacquie Campbell, chief officer at acute services with NHS Lothian, said: “Hand gel in wards are there to protect staff, visitors and patients, and are not to be removed for any reason.”
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