Call for calm as panic shopping continues

 

Panic shopping has continued at many stores across the county, with items such as dried goods like past, as well as disinfectants still selling out quickly in many places.

Its follows a rush on by desperate shoppers to stock up following An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar's announcement yesterday (March 12) that all primary and secondary schools, colleges and universities, as well as all childcare facilities are to shut until March 29.

The measures have been introduced as part of a series of measures aimed at addressing the outbreak of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Ireland.

Representative body Retail Excellence Ireland has moved to ally fears, saying it has spoken to all of the major grocery multiples and forecourt operators in Ireland.

“We would like to reassure everyone that Ireland is prepared to continue to supply all grocery outlets for the coming months. There is no reason for Irish citizens to have any concern in that regard.”

They added that the industry has “never before been more prepared”, having already planned for a hard Brexit the past number of months.

They also praised local Fine Gael TD, Minister for Business and Enterprise, Heather Humphreys, who they say has done a “tremendous job” in monitoring the current situation, further noting: “Please be assured that we have more than adequate contingencies in place.”

Retail Excellence Ireland state that social media images of empty shelves are “simply sensationalising” the matter. “These shelves are restocked every evening and restocking will continue into the future.

“We echo An Taoiseach's comments when this morning he confirmed that the shops will remain open and we have plans to ensure supply chains will not be interrupted.”