Tesco rations all items to counteract coronavirus panic-buying

Tesco has introduced a three per person limit on all items in a bid to counteract coronavirus-linked stockpiling.

In a letter to staff, chief executive Dave Lewis wrote that all counter services will be closed to focus on stocking shelves, and the first hour of the day – 9am to 10am – is now reserved for the elderly and vulnerable.

The Big 4 grocer’s new rationing rules widen the scope of restrictions that had previously been implemented on a small number of items such as toilet roll and hand sanitiser.

Over at rival Sainsbury’s, a cap of two is being imposed on the most in-demand items, such as toilet roll, soap and UHT milk.

Meat, fish and pizza counters and cafés are closed to free up lorry and warehouse capacity.

Asda has also announced it is restricting all customers to buying up to three items on all food, toiletries and cleaning products amid a surge in demand.

On Tuesday, Tesco announced that hundreds of its 24-hour stores had their opening hours reduced in a bid to manage any disruption caused by the outbreak.

Retail Gazette