Supermarket chain Aldi has issued new rules limiting how many items customers can purchase as the escalating coronavirus outbreak continues to cause panic buying.
Shops across Britain have faced severe stocking pressures as worries over the coronavirus caused people to buy large amounts of household items.
The number of confirmed cases of the virus in the UK now stands at 1,140, with 21 deaths - and numerous sporting and major events have now been cancelled or postponed.
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Empty shelves could be seen at supermarkets throughout Merseyside as shoppers tried to stockpile items.
Now Aldi has issued new rules limiting people to four units of a single item.
In a Facebook post, a spokesperson for the supermarket chain said: “All our stores remain open and continue to serve our valued customers. We have good product availability and our incredible colleagues are working tirelessly to restock and replenish shelves as quickly as they can.
“As we have seen an unprecedented demand across our range, we will be limiting customer purchases to four units on all products to ensure all of our customers have an opportunity to purchase them.
“Thank you to all our colleagues and customers for your patience during this time.”
Customers commenting on the post on Facebook reacted positively to the news, congratulating Aldi and saying they hoped other chains would follow suit.
Tracie Bere said: “Wonderful update. Thank you. Please everyone, don’t be stupid. There’s enough for everyone!”
Emma Blencowe added: “Great stuff. And thanks to your staff who are getting the stock out and dealing with a huge demand!”
Earlier in the day, Tesco boss John Allan asked customers to stop buying large quantities of specific goods if they didn’t need them in the near future, saying the brand had a strong enough supply to provide people with what they needed and there was no need to panic buy.
