Coles adds mince to its list of restricted items as supermarket shelves are stripped bare by panic-buying shoppers amid coronavirus pandemic
- Coles has stepped up restrictions on its products to include limits on mince
- New restrictions were announced by supermarket giant on Sunday afternoon
- On Friday, limits had been extended by chain to items like flour and paper towels
- 280 people diagnosed with coronavirus in Australia, and three people have died
- Coronavirus symptoms: what are they and should you see a doctor?
Coles has stepped up restrictions on its products to include limits on mince as supermarket shelves in Australia are stripped bare amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The new restrictions on the meat were announced by the supermarket giant on Sunday afternoon to combat panic-buying as the disease spreads globally.
It follows limits being extended beyond toilet paper on Friday to items including flour, paper towels and paper tissues.
Empty shelves pictured at a Coles supermarket in Waterloo in southern Sydney. The supermarket has brought in new restrictions to items including mince and flour and paper towels
The new restrictions on the meat were announced by the supermarket giant on Sunday afternoon (Facebook post pictured)
‘As the situation around Coronavirus continues to develop, we want to ensure you have the most up to date information on product availability,’ Coles said in a statement on Sunday.
‘The purchase of mince, pasta, flour, dry rice, paper towels, paper tissues and hand sanitisers is limited to 2 items per customer.’
Coles’ chief executive officer Steven Cain said staff were working ‘as hard as possible’ to ensure shelves were sufficiently stocked.
Pictured: pedestrians in North Sydney walk past a Coles supermarket in the suburb on Sunday
‘As the situation around coronavirus continues to develop, we believe that everyone in the community should have access to their share of grocery items, particularly the elderly,’ he said.
It comes after Woolworths shoppers were hit with bad news when the supermarket giant announced toilet paper would no longer be available to order online and pick up.
The chain announced toilet paper would no longer be available to order online and pick up.
In an email sent to customers by CEO Brad Banducci, the supermarket chain said it was running low on toilet paper along with other supplies due to panic buying.
Mr Banducci said due to demand, the highly sought-after product ‘won’t be available for pick up orders for the time being’.
‘Limits are now in place on toilet paper, wipes, paper towels, serviettes, rice and some other items,’ he said.
‘Our toilet paper suppliers continue to work on meeting increased demand, and we’re working with some suppliers to prioritise the production of smaller pack sizes, so we can make more packs available to you this week.
‘Our team will be happy to see if toilet paper is available in store when you come in to pick up your order.’
Pictured: A purchase restriction notice at a Coles in Sydney
So far 280 people have been diagnosed with coronavirus in Australia, with three deaths.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has also announced the Australian government will effectively ban ‘non essential’ public gatherings of more than 500 people from Monday – and has warned Australians not to travel overseas.
‘We will be advising against organised, non-essential gatherings of persons of 500 people or greater from Monday,’ Mr Morrison said.
But Mr Morrison stressed the government’s ban only relates to ‘non-essential organised gatherings’ and doesn’t include schools, university lectures or catching public transport.