Panic buying at Adelaide supermarkets amid unfounded lockdown rumours

The Premier ruled out a lockdown five seconds into Wednesday’s press conference – but the hysteria and panic buying was already hitting supermarkets.

Shoppers have been told to “calm the farm” and stop panic buying amid unfounded fears the state was headed into lockdown.

Over recent days, shelves have been stripped in some supermarkets as South Australia’s Covid restrictions increased, its borders closed to most states and lockdowns proliferated across the country.

The situation worsened on Wednesday morning as rumours circulated about an impending lockdown in SA, which turned out to be false.

Toilet paper, sanitiser and other household staples were flying off the shelves, but supermarket chains were yet to introduce product limits on Wednesday.

The checkout line-up at Coles, Welland on Wednesday. Picture: Supplied

Shoppers at Woolworths, Hilton, on Wednesday. Picture: Col James

The lines at Woolworths, Arakaba, on Wednesday. Picture: Supplied

Drakes Supermarkets director John-Paul Drake said his business saw a surge in panic buying ahead of the government’s Covid press conference on Tuesday.

“Once again, Australia are leading the way in toilet paper panic buying,” he said.

“Interestingly this time around, we’ve seen an increase in fresh department purchases – hopefully it means people are planning to eat healthier!”

He said South Australians should “calm the farm”.

“Buy only what you would normally need for the week – like every other lockdown, we will remain open. By not panic-buying, you’ll help keep the supply chain under control.

Huge lines at the Hilton Woolworths on Wednesday. Picture: Col James

The toilet paper shelves at Coles Welland on Wednesday. Picture: Supplied

Premier Steven Marshall also urged people to stay calm among the supermarket aisles.

“We’ve got excellent supplies of all food and other appropriate groceries that need to be procured if there’s a situation in SA,” he said.

“Please be sensitive about this. There’s no lockdown in SA and no need for panic buying.”

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Josh Peak, secretary of shop workers’ union the SDA, said amid the rumours, a lack of clear advice from the government on Wednesday morning led to an “unnecessary outbreak of panic buying” at centres including Marion, Whyalla, Colonnades, Fulham Gardens and Unley.

“Rushing into supermarkets will just increase the risk of community transmission,” he said.

“The last thing retail workers need right now is for their workplaces to be unnecessarily crowded with customers unable to socially distance.

“When you’re out doing your shop, please stay calm and remember retail workers don’t deserve a serve.”

Coles reiterated its message that all of its branches would stay open as restrictions heightened.

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