Coronavirus outbreak sees struggling supermarkets ‘plan to cut cafes and counter services’ – The Sun

SUPERMARKETS are planning to make cut backs to their services as they struggle to meet increased demand and cope with staff shortages caused by coronavirus.

Reuters reports that the UK's major supermarkets are planning to ditch cafes, counters and other services to enable a depleted workforce to "maintain basic provisions".

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It comes as shocking scenes showed empty supermarket shelves over the weekend as panicked Brits continue to empty stores of essentials including toilet roll, pasta and cleaning products.

Supermarket delivery slots have also sold out over coronavirus stockpiling with shoppers saying "it’s worse than Christmas".

But Reuters says industry sources told it supermarkets may have to scale back their services if large numbers of staff become ill and self-isolate.

They're also reportedly concerned that if schools are closed it could see even more pressure placed on them.

In addition, the report continues that supermarkets are worried about how to practically help elderly and vulnerable people if the government tells them to self-isolate.

“What (products) we can and can’t get is the least of current challenges,” one UK supermarket executive told the publication.

Another added that planning was focused on: “What would it take to keep the store running?”

Health secretary Matt Hancock has warned that every Briton over the age of 70 will be told “within the coming weeks” to stay home for up to four months to protect themselves from coronavirus, also known as COVID-19.

But some supermarkets, such as Iceland, have come up with novel ideas including early opening hours for the elderly.

Iceland in the Kennedy Centre in Belfast, Northern Ireland, for example, is opening from 8am till 9am for elderly shoppers – but this policy will vary by store.

The Sun has put this to Asda, Morrisons, Sainsbury's, and Tesco and we'll update this story if we get a response.

Supermarkets have already asked home delivery customers to tell them if they’re in self isolation to reduce infection risk.

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