Coronavirus UK panic buying: Fury as pensioners left with empty shelves after frenzy
FURIOUS social media users have hit out at "selfish" panic buyers amid the coronavirus crisis, as heartbreaking images of elderly and vulnerable shoppers facing empty shelves were shared.
Coronavirus: Panic-buying leaves London supermarket bare
Supermarkets across the UK have been left bare as shoppers rush to stock up on products despite the Government insisting there would be no shortage of supplies during the Covid-19 outbreak. Heartbreaking pictures and videos have emerged, including NHS workers left without food and the elderly looking at empty shelves.
The panic buying has prompted an angry reaction on social media, with one Twitter user saying: “It's not panic buying - it's utterly selfish behaviour.”
Another wrote: “What is wrong with you people? #panicbuying The Government and large chains have stated there is no shortage of food.
“It’s the public that are causing this problem with empty shelves in supermarkets. #StopPanicBuying. You are putting people at risk.”
A third tweeted: “Britain, just stop it! This selfish #panicbuying behaviour is completely unnecessary.
“There are key-workers, elderly and vulnerable people that are unable to get the most basic supplies.
“Not to mention those less well-off who cannot afford to stockpile. Think of others for once!”
One added: “After my trip to the shops last night, I suspect that by this time next week green bins all over the country will be full of rotting fresh food.
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“It's not panick buying its SELFISH. There is no way you can eat it all fruit and veg before it goes off. #StopPanicBuying”
A fifth said: “When will the morons understand we are not running out of food.
“Logistics are still going. There is no need for this pathetic, selfish and idiotic panic buying stock piling.
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“The mentality of it is of someone who is un-trustworthy. Wise up you idiots. There is no need for it”
Another tweeted: “People are panic buying because they are stupid, selfish and ignorant. FULL STOP.”
One more suggested: “Ban the use of Shopping Trollies in supermarkets. Baskets only or what you can carry.”
It comes as supermarkets have been forced to limit the number of items customers can buy in response to the surging demand.
They are also taking action to help elderly and vulnerable customers, including priority home delivery slots and exclusive shopping hours.
And the Government has temporarily relaxed competition laws and driver hours in response to the pandemic.
It comes as tens of thousands of people in the UK are feared to be infected with coronavirus.
There have been 3,269 confirmed cases, with the death toll at 144.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said yesterday he expects the tide to be turned in the next 12 weeks as he urged the public to follow social distancing advice.