As the ACT moves to shut down non-essential services in the wake of coronavirus, it was still business as usual at supermarkets
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Across Canberra, large crowds were gathered outside supermarkets long before doors opened, hoping to get their hands on much needed supplies.
All while keeping their social distance, of course.
At the Majura Park Woolworths, more than 100 people were lining up outside the store in a bid to be among the first inside while shelves were fully stocked.
While the supermarket was opened for an hour just for the elderly and disabled shoppers, at 8am, crowds filtered through to stock up on supplies.
For many, the first place they went to was the toilet paper aisle, where a security guard was stationed monitoring shoppers.
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Two police officers were also seen patrolling the aisles, after scenes at supermarkets across the country where fights over items broke out.
Most items at the supermarket were in stock, with toilet paper available for most customers, while hand sanitiser was still in short supply.
Queues for the checkout stretched all the way back to the side of the store, but shoppers were still maintaining their social distance.
While most customers had at least one packet of toilet paper, many customers weren't seen panic buying, only stocking up on a handful of grocery items.
The large crowds at supermarkets comes as the ACT government moved to shut down non-essential services such as pubs, clubs and cafes, as well as large outdoor gatherings.
Supermarkets and chemists will remain open and trade as normal.
- For information on COVID-19, please go to the ACT Health website or federal Health Department's website.
- You can also call the Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080
- If you have serious symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, call Triple Zero (000)
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Andrew Brown
I've been part of the Canberra Times since 2016, after reporting at local papers in Sydney's north-west. Since starting at the paper I've had stints on the Sunday Times, on the early morning breaking news round, and now as a general reporter, covering the ins and outs of anything and everything happening in Canberra, with a focus on health.
I've been part of the Canberra Times since 2016, after reporting at local papers in Sydney's north-west. Since starting at the paper I've had stints on the Sunday Times, on the early morning breaking news round, and now as a general reporter, covering the ins and outs of anything and everything happening in Canberra, with a focus on health.
