Daily update on the coronavirus response - 22 March 2020
Written by Defra Press Office
The government has announced a raft of measures to support those who are considered to be extremely vulnerable to coronavirus due to their medical conditions, so people know exactly how to care for themselves and others in the coming months.
Measures include a new Local Support System to ensure those individuals self-isolating at home and who are without a support network of friends and family will receive basic groceries.
The Government is working with a partnership of the groceries industry, local government, local resilience and emergency partners, and voluntary groups, to ensure that essential items can start to be delivered as soon as possible to those who need it. The people identified as the most vulnerable in their communities will be contacted directly – including in person where necessary - as a priority.
Yesterday Environment Secretary, George Eustice advised people to only buy what they need to ensure that others aren’t left without. In particular, he highlighted the needs of front line workers such as nurses, doctors and NHS support staff.
Environment Secretary George Eustice said:
“When shopping for you and your own family, only buy what you actually need. Buying more than you need means others will be left without.
“It is making life more difficult for those front line workers – nurses, doctors, vital NHS support staff who are working so hard in such difficult circumstances.
“As you shop, think of these people and the needs of their families and please be responsible.”
Yesterday the Prime Minister and Environment Secretary spoke with the retail industry, who continued to assure them that there is more than enough food to go round and that the food supply chain is able to expand production to cope with increased demand.
Retailers confirmed that in the last week, sales of some foods have increased significantly and manufacturers have produced around fifty percent more food than they usually would.
The retailers highlighted that the main challenge they are facing is keeping shelves stocked in the face of increased purchasing behaviour.
The government has relaxed competition laws so retailers can work together to keep shops open and stocked. This involves sharing data on stock levels, pooling staff to meet demand, or sharing distribution depots and delivery vans.
Government has also been working with local authorities to extend delivery hours to supermarkets so shelves can be replenished more quickly.
Government and industry continue to work closely together to ensure people have the food and supplies they need.
Actions leading retailers are taking:
- Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, Tesco, Marks and Spencer and Asda are all reserving an hour in stores for elderly and vulnerable shoppers. Marks and Spencer, Tesco and Sainsbury’s are creating a special shopping hour for NHS and emergency service workers.
- Sainsbury’s is offering an expanded ‘click and collect service’ and increasing the number of collection sites across the country.
- Waitrose is introducing special deliveries for vulnerable customers and Morrisons is making more online delivery slots.
- Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Morrisons Waitrose, Aldi, Asda, Marks and Spencer are introducing purchase limits on products. Tesco is cancelling its multi-buy promotions.
- Tesco, Waitrose, Asda, Aldi, Morrisons and Marks and Spencer are all limiting shopping hours so they can restock overnight.
- Sainsbury’s and Tesco are closing their fresh food counters to free up staff.
- Morrisons has introduced immediate payments for its smaller suppliers so they can be paid more quickly.
- The Co-op is fast-tracking recruitment of 5,000 store colleagues to provide temporary employment for hospitality workers who have lost their jobs.
- Asda is donating £5m to food charities to support the most vulnerable people in local communities. Waitrose has set up a £1m Community Support Fund to help those in need. M&S and Lidl have also started community funds.
Actions government is taking to support retailers:
- Relaxing Competition Laws so retailers can work together to keep shops open and stocked. They will be able to share data on stock levels, pool staff to meet demand, or share distribution depots and delivery vans.
- Working with local authorities to extend delivery hours to supermarkets so shelves can be replenished more quickly.
- Extending driver hours to help deliver more goods to stores across the UK and to help supermarket delivery drivers meet the increased demand for home deliveries.
- Relaxing planning rules so pubs and restaurants can operate food delivery services.
- Waiving the 5p plastic bag charge for online purchases to speed up deliveries.
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