Renfrewshire residents are being urged to refrain from panic-buying following the reintroduction of the toughest coronavirus restrictions.
When the first national lockdown was implemented in March, the likes of loo roll, pasta and flour vanished from shelves as residents hoarded supplies.
And since the Scottish Government issued fresh “stay at home” guidance this week, people have begun to fear the callous act will begin trending again.
Previously, supermarkets have been forced to place limits on how much of an item people can buy at once in a bid to make sure everyone gets their fair share.
Elizabeth Alexander, senior manager at Renfrewshire Foodbank, insisted there was no need for people to stock up on essentials with supermarkets remaining open and well-stocked.
She said: “For everyone’s sake I would urge people not to engage in panic-buying. It affects us all, not just people who are having to turn to foodbanks.
“Everyone needs to get their food and there really isn’t any reason for people to be hoarding things. People have seen supermarkets have managed to keep well-stocked during this pandemic and I really hope we don’t see the same levels of panic-buying as we did back in March.”
Scots are now prohibited by law from leaving their homes unless for essential reasons, such as exercise or food shopping.
Outdoor gatherings have been restricted to just two people from two different households, while schools will remain shut until at least February 1.
