Coles, Woolworths introduce item limits as panic buying sets in across Top End

Large queues have once again swamped Top End supermarkets as Darwin, Palmerston, the rural area and Katherine were plunged into a snap, three-day lockdown from noon on Monday.

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UPDATE: COLES and Woolworths supermarkets have placed customer limits on key items at its Top End stores as the supermarket chains face yet another wave of panic buying.

Coles’ two per customer limits applies to toilet paper, face masks, fresh mince and chicken breast and thighs.

Woolworths has introduced a purchase limit of two toilet paper packs and two pre-packed mince per customer in the Greater Darwin and Katherine region both in-store and online.

A Coles spokeswoman said the stores would all stay open during the NT’s latest lockdown, with “plenty of stock” and increased cleaning frequency.

“We will continue monitoring customer numbers and encourage them to use the sanitising stations at the entrance to our stores, which include hand sanitiser and disinfectant wipes for trolleys, before they enter,” she said.

“We also ask that customers check-in each time they visit our stores by scanning the QR codes on display at the front of the store, above the sanitiser stations within the store or at the checkouts.

“We ask that our customers ensure they are wearing a face mask before entering our stores, unless they have an exemption — and the same rules apply to our team.

“We have plenty of stock in our supply chain and we ask that customers stay calm, shop normally and be respectful to our hardworking team members.”

Woolworths Northern Territory Group Manager, Scott Mackay said that, iIn line with NT Government directives, all customers and team members were expected to wear face masks in NT Woolworths stores.

“We understand this is an uncertain time but we want to reassure our Northern Territory customers our stores will remain open throughout the lockdown,” Mr Mackay said>

“We have plenty of stock in our supply chain, and our team members will be hard at work making sure it flows into our store in large volumes for our customers.

“As always, we encourage our customers to be mindful of others in the community and buy only what they need.

“We also ask customers to follow all social distancing and COVIDsafe measures in our store.

“Please treat our team members and each other with respect as we work through this unsettling time together.”

EARLIER: QUEUES have started to develop at Top End supermarkets as Darwin, Palmerston, the rural area and Katherine are plunged in to a snap, three-day lockdown from noon on Monday.

Queues started to form at Woolworths stores in Bakewell and Nightcliff as rumours of the lockdown circulated about 10am on Monday morning.

A line of cars has also formed at BWS in Parap.

Customer Mitchell Florance said he rushed to the bottlo as soon as he heard about the lockdown.

Customers flock to the Darwin bottle shops following the announcement of a snap 72 hour lockdown.

“I first heard about the lockdown from my stepdad, he rang me at 10am and asked if I could pick up some beer for him.,” Mr Florance said.

“Once I heard the news officially, I thought I better rush out and pick it up for him before it gets a bit crazy.”

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At a press conference, Chief Minister Michael Gunner warned people against panic buying.

Mr Gunner said panic buying was “stupid”.

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