Victorian Coles and Woolworths stores could be forced to close as staff isolation rules bite

The big supermarkets have said strict coronavirus rules in Victoria have forced thousands of staff to be absent leading stores to close.

Coles and Woolworths have warned they may have to temporarily close some stores across Melbourne this weekend as the supermarket giants grapple with Victoria’s growing Covid-19 outbreak.

Both retailers are struggling to keep all stores open as staff are forced to isolate after coming into contact with covid cases.

The pair have said the issue is only affecting Victoria, ands not New South Wales, because isolation rules differ south of the Murray.

One Woolworths store, in Coburg in Melbourne’s north, has already closed with more set to be forced to shut their doors for a spell.

Woolies currently has 24 locations listed as tier one exposure sites in Victoria, requiring large numbers of staff to isolate for at least two weeks.

A handful of Woolworths stores could close this weekend due to staff shortages. Picture: Getty

Thousands of store staff in isolation

A Woolworths spokesman told news.com.au scores of staff were currently away from work.

“We have more than 1000 Victorian team members in isolation right now and it’s putting a strain on our store operations.

“A small number of stores have been forced to reduce their trading hours and one temporarily close.”

Woolworths urged the Victorian Government to change the rules around isolating so its store could keep trading.

“Making some sensible, risk-based adjustments to contract tracing would go a long way in helping us maintain essential supply and service to the Victorian community.

“We’ll continue to work closely with the Victorian Government on these matters.”

Coles echoed Woolies’ concerns. A spokesman said it had been similarly impacted, with several stores reducing trading hours and distribution centres having to operate with fewer staff due to mandatory isolation rules.

Since the Delta outbreak, 30,000 staff across the retailer’s Victorian and NSW stores have been forced to isolate.

“Coles, together with other supermarket retailers, are engaged with the Victorian government on potential changes to Covid isolation protocols that would help ensure food security for people across the state,” a Coles spokesman said.

Coles has called on the Victorian government to alter Covid isolation rules. Picture: NCA NewsWire

“We continue to work hard to maintain food supply and keep stores open, however as case numbers rise this becomes more challenging as more of our team members are required to isolate.”

Supermarket executives have reportedly campaigned for the Victorian government to adopt a similar model to NSW, where fully vaccinated workers in essential industries aren’t required to isolate if they are casual contacts.

The rule would allow supermarket staff to continue working if an infected customer enters their workplace while infectious.

Originally published as Victorian Coles and Woolworths stores could be forced to close as staff isolation rules bite