Coles announces new limit on toilet paper as Adelaide COVID-19 cluster sparks panic buying

Coles has introduced a limit of two packets of toilet paper per customer as shelves of bread and gym equipment are emptied across SA.

Just hours after South Australian authorities announced a spike in COVID-19 cases, mass panic buying began across the state.

In response to the panic buying, Coles has implemented a two packet limit on buying toilet paper.

A Coles spokesman said the purchase limits in SA were to ensure more customers had access to staple items.

“Effective from today, the limits apply at all Coles supermarkets and Coles Express stores in SA, as well as Coles Online orders for customers in SA,” they said.

“The limits do not currently apply to any other states or products, however we will continue to monitor stock levels and ask that customers purchase only what they need.”

Many people took to social media to show toilet paper, bread and gym equipment had flown off shelves at a number of supermarkets.

The retail workers union Secretary Josh Peak said it was caused by people being concerned of a shortage and the stress the pandemic has put on the community.

Empty shelves seen at Para Hills Woolworths off Kesters Rd on Monday November 16. Picture: Vicky Lamonby

“The community is anxious and stressed out and unfortunately their lashing out at retail workers who are not only getting the panic buying but are also seeing an increase in customer abuse again,” he said on ABC Radio.

“We just need to remain claim. SA will get through this but we don't need to put our retail workers through this additional stress for no reason.

“Our supply chain is very well stocked. We do not need to have rush on products. The only thing that causes a shortage is the rush itself so it’s really important that South Australians remain calm, do their usual shopping and make sure we have plenty on the shelves for all of us to share.”

Even gym equipment was scarce at Kmart Firle. Picture: Mary Silvestri

A Woolworths spokesperson said the company was sending triple the volume of toilet paper to stores as it did last Tuesday to ensure toilet paper is available for our customers.

“We experienced higher than usual demand for toilet paper across our South Australian stores yesterday,” they said.

“Customers are encouraged to buy only what they need, as we’ll continue to receive extra orders of stock in our stores regularly.

“We will continue to monitor the situation closely and reassess product limits if needed.”

Drakes Supermarkets Director John-Paul Drake said the company began seeing an increase in customers since health authorities announced the spike in COVID-19 infections.

He said South Australians did not need to panic buy but did need to consider other people in the community.

“Be kind to our team – they’re working hard to keep our shelves stocked for you,” Mr Drake said.

“Our team learned some lessons from the First Wave, so we’ve ensured that our Distribution Centre in Edinburgh North is appropriately stocked.

“Some shelves may be a bit low for now, but we can assure you that more stock is on its way.

“We’re already in talks with our supplier partners to ensure we can access more if required.”

The tougher restriction sparked panic buying in supermarket stores across SA. Woolworths Hilton Plaza had no toilet paper left by 2.30pm. Picture: Claire Kempis.

It comes as SA’s Parafield cluster, which was announced on Sunday, has 20 known and suspected linked cases.

It was the first recorded community transmission since April.

The state now has a number of tougher restrictions put in place as a result, which came into effect as of midnight on Monday.

New research from Toluna found South Australians were more concerned about a second wave of COVID-19 (47 per cent) than about the economy (42 per cent).

Fears of a second wave was also a similar concern of people across the country with 36 per cent NSW residents, 49 per cent of Victorians, 33 per cent of Queenslanders, 34 per cent of Western Australians and 29 per cent of Tasmanians reportedly feeling the same.

According to the study, there were 42 per cent of South Australians who said they were prepared to go back into lockdown for more than 12 weeks while 11 per cent said they would not be able to cope with having restrictions imposed again.

The study, which surveyed 1077 Australians between October 22-27, was published as ‘Toluna’s Understanding the 2020 Consumer: Global Barometer’.

More to come.

Originally published as Coles announces new limit on toilet paper as Adelaide COVID-19 cluster sparks panic buying