Major supermarket chains have launched a hiring blitz to bolster staff levels at distribution centres and stores decimated by the fast-growing delta outbreak in NSW and Victoria.

Woolworths, Coles and Aldi have received another reprieve from public health orders requiring staff from 12 COVID-19 hot-spots in Sydney to be vaccinated before they can work outside their local government area, but staff shortages have led to mounting out-of-stock signs at supermarkets across NSW.