Supermarkets have called for calm after panic buying set in across the Hunter straight after the COVID-19 lockdown announcement on Thursday.
Shopping centres were flooded with customers, with the line to enter Woolworths Marketown almost back to the Steel Street entrance by lunchtime. Security were heard advising people the shops would still be open on Friday after the lockdown had commenced.
Woolworths and Coles have both reinstated a limit of two toilet paper packs per customer at stores in the Hunter lockdown area.
Woolworths is conducting additional monitoring of social distancing and also deployed health ambassadors to Hunter stores. Coles has increased cleaning in high touchpoint areas.
"We understand this is an uncertain time in the Hunter, but we want to reassure customers our stores will remain open throughout the lockdown," Woolworths general manager for NSW, Michael Mackenzie said.
"We have plenty of stock in our supply chain, and our team members will be hard at work making sure it flows into our stores in large volumes for our customers.
"As always, we encourage our customers to be mindful of others in the community and buy only what they need.
"We also ask customers to follow all social distancing and COVIDsafe measures in our stores.
"Please treat our team members and each other with respect as we work through this unsettling time together."
A Coles spokesperson said all Coles supermarkets, liquor and Coles Express sites in the affected areas will stay open during this time, and customers can continue to shop online.
"We have plenty of stock in our supply chain and we ask that customers stay calm, shop normally and be respectful to our hard-working team members," the spokesperson said.
The retail union has also urged customers to show respect to staff after a NSW supermarket employee working on the door was assaulted and punched in the face three times.
"Shop workers are on turning up to work, day-in day-out, to serve the community and keep people provided with fresh food and the other essentials of life," SDA NSW secretary Bernie Smith said.
"We know QR code check-ins, wearing of masks and keeping our distance in supermarkets and retails outlets helps keep people safe. Do the right thing when you next do your essential shopping, for yourself, for your family and for workers and their families.
"No worker should be abused for doing their job."
