Product limits have been reintroduced at Coles supermarkets statewide

COVID-affected staff have forced supermarkets to reintroduce product limits at all its stores in Tasmania. See what products are affected >>

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A COVID-19 outbreak at a major Coles distribution facility in Melbourne has resulted in the chain bringing in new limits on products in Tasmanian and Victorian supermarkets.

In a statement, Coles said a number of staff at the Laverton chilled distribution centre in Victoria were COVID-positive, with all workers at the facility now being tested for the virus.

Coles said it had worked with the Victorian Health Department to conduct contact tracing for positive cases, with a significant number of staff at the centre self-isolating at home.

The facility itself has been deep cleaned daily over the past week, Coles said.

The Laverton distribution centre has been able to maintain operations but the reduced number of staff has affected Coles’ ability to replenish stores with chilled and fresh produce.

Two-pack limits per customer have been implemented at all Coles supermarkets, Coles Express and Coles Online in Victoria and Tasmania, as well as Lavington, Albury and Deniliquin in NSW.

New product limits have been applied to all Coles supermarkets in Tasmania after staff at a Victorian distribution centre tested positive for coronavirus.

Customers in these stores will now be able to purchase only two of the following: fresh milk, cheese, butter, margarine, chicken breasts, chicken thighs, and pre-packed carrots and potatoes.

Coles said the restrictions also apply to canned products, including tomatoes, beans, fruit, baked beans, spaghetti, meat, and frozen fruit and vegetables.

A one-pack limit still applies to toilet paper and paper towel at Coles outlets in all states.

“The health and safety of our team members remains a top priority for Coles and we look forward to welcoming our Laverton team members currently in isolation back to work as soon as they receive necessary clearances,’’ Coles said.

“To help us provide a safe shopping experience for all, we ask that customers continue to treat our team members with respect, buy only what they need, continue observing social distancing in stores, make use of the sanitising stations at the entrance, and plan their visit so they can be ‘speedy shoppers’.”

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