Shoppers queuing at supermarkets told to expect to see police

SA shoppers queuing at supermarkets should expect a police presence as the state prepares to go into a six-day lockdown.

South Australian shoppers should expect to see police monitoring supermarkets as the state goes into lockdown at midnight.

Police Commissioner Grant Stevens warned that officers would be assisting supermarket staff on Wednesday afternoon in a move to avoid panic buying.

Shoppers have already begun queuing in long lines to do their grocery shopping after the lockdown was announced earlier on Wednesday.

PANIC BUYING: Anxious scenes right now playing out at supermarkets and pharmacies across Adelaide. This is the line to get INTO Coles at Norwood. @9NewsAdel pic.twitter.com/zHfILagTc6

— Mike Lorigan (@mikelorigan) November 18, 2020

Mr Stevens said it would be a “particularly challenging time” for supermarket and retail staff and asked shoppers to be patient.

“There is no need for people to rush to supermarkets, and if you do go shopping this afternoon, you should expect you'll be managed by staff, and police will be on standby to attend,” he said.

“If we do see any civil disorder, we will be taking action. There is no need to be panic buying.

“Supermarkets will remain open.”

All residents across the state, with the exception of some essential workers, have been told to stay home for the next six days as of midnight on Wednesday.

All non-essential businesses will be closed, while some essential services – like supermarkets and medical services – will remain open.

Grocery shopping is one of the few reasons South Australians can leave their properties during that time, but only one person per household can go each day.

Shoppers won’t be seen at food courts, malls or retail stores for the next six days as the state goes into lockdown. Picture: Emma Brasier

Mr Stevens said it was expected that people did the right thing and abided by the “extreme level of imposition” to help police do their job.

“Policing can only provide so much in regards to improving a safe environment for the community. It relies on the community doing the right thing and supporting each other,” he said.

“Clearly, if you’re out during these six days, you should have the ability to justify the reason for your travel. We will be out there making sure people do the right thing.

“If you deliberately disobey these restrictions and ignore that advice you’ve been given, then you should expect we’d take action.”

Police Commissioner Grant Stevens said officers would take action if they saw civil disorder. Picture: David Mariuz/Getty Images

Panic buying began on Monday after Premier Steven Marshall announced tougher restrictions in response to the Parafield cluster.

Toilet paper was seen flying off shelves at stores across the state.