Food delivery: If we go on lockdown how do we get food?
THE UK is now facing lockdown as Britain's coronavirus crisis worsens and the death toll hits 337. If we do go on lockdown, how will we get food?
Coronavirus: London tube remains packed despite lockdown
While Downing Street is understood not to be planning a lockdown on the British capital, the Prime Minister said he would not hesitate to introduce more extreme measures to protect public health & safety and NHS services when necessary. Government and health officials stressed that London was three-weeks ahead of the rest of the country in terms of cases.
In his daily press briefings at Downing Street, Johnson said: “We’ve always said we’re going to do the right measure at the right time.
“I think a lot of people are making a real heroic effort to comply with the advice that we have given but as I’ve said tonight and in the past few days we keep everything under continuous review and we will not hesitate to bring forward further and faster measures where we think that is necessary.”
Yesterday, he announced a further measure and declared that schools would be closing across the whole country, except for those with parents who are ‘key workers’.
Mr Johnson said: “I can announce today, that after schools shut their gates from Friday afternoon, they will remain closed to most people, from further notice.”
How will we get food if the country goes on lockdown?
Shoppers can still head to the supermarkets as long as their not in self-isolation.
Supermarkets are also implementing measures to be able to deliver even more online shops, with many hiring extra delivery drivers at this trying time.
Brits have been warned not to panic-buy and stockpile and continue on “as they would normally shop.”
The Business Secretary Alok Sharma said: “I understand the rationale [of panic buying], but I think for the vast majority of people – they are being sensible. As shelves get re-stocked, I think they will take the rational step and shop as they would normally shop.”
People continue to ignore calls to shop sensibly, however, as shoppers arrive at supermarkets as early as 5am and queue in long lines outside.
Iceland introduced a measure to allow elderly people to have first dibs and have an hour shopping to themselves without the general public in tow.
Sainsbury’s has followed suit and introduced shopping slots designated for the elderly and at-risk.
Shoppers are set to be limited to a maximum of three of any grocery product band a maximum of two on the most popular items, which include toilet paper, soap and UHT milk.
The Government has assured that shops will remain fully stocked throughout the coming months.
Supermarkets in other countries, like Italy, are one of the only businesses – along with pharmacies – that have stayed open to the public during lockdown.
The Government has also advised that if people must leave their homes to buy food, that they limit social contact with others.
Coronavirus: Panic-buying leaves London supermarket bare
Which supermarkets are implementing rationing measures?
Tesco
• Rationing was introduced in store on Saturday and online yesterday, Wednesday, March 19.
• Five items per person is the restriction on dry pasta, long-life milk, antibacterial wipes, gels and sprays. Also baked beans in certain shops.
• Unavailable items include: All of Tesco’s own brand basic dry pasta range, Cushelle 24-pack toilet roll
Asda
• Rationing was introduced online and in stores yesterday
• Hand sanitiser restricted to two per person – no food restrictions as of yet
• Unavailable items: antibacterial hand gel, Asda easy cook white rice is not available online
Waitrose
• Rationing online which only includes restrictions on certain antibacterial soaps and wipes
• Unavailable items include popular items in Waitrose’s essential range
Sainsburys’s
• No current rationing restrictions in store or online.