UK supermarkets formalise time slots for NHS workers, elderly and vulnerable to shop

Record ID: 1465439

  • Title: UK supermarkets formalise time slots for NHS workers, elderly and vulnerable to shop
  • Date: 23rd March 2020
  • Summary: LONDON, ENGLAND, UK (MARCH 23, 2020) (REUTERS) SECURITY GUARD CHECKING CUSTOMER'S NHS IDENTIFICATIONS AS THEY ENTER SUPERMARKET SECURITY GUARD GIVING NHS WORKER THUMBS UP TO ENTER SECURITY GUARD WAVING THROUGH PERSON TO SKIP QUEUE AND ENTER ELDERLY MAN SKIPPING QUEUE TO ENTER VARIOUS OF ELDERLY SHOPPERS ENTERING VARIOUS OF NHS WORKER SHOWING ID AND ENTERING SECURITY GUARD EXPLAINING TO SHOPPER THAT SHE CANNOT ENTER / ELDERLY SHOPPER ENTERING SIGN READING (English) "SAINSBURY'S" QUEUE OUTSIDE SUPERMARKET SHOPPERS QUEUING WITH GAP BETWEEN THEM SHOPPER HOLDING PHONE WHILE WEARING GLOVES
  • Embargoed: 6th April 2020 10:00
  • Keywords: Coronavirus NHS UK elderly security supermarkets
  • Location: LONDON, ENGLAND, UNITED KINGDOM
  • City: LONDON, ENGLAND, UNITED KINGDOM
  • Country: United Kingdom
  • Topics: Health/Medicine
  • Reuters ID: LVA001C69VO07
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Story Text: Many British supermarkets are now extending exclusive shopping hours to health workers battling the coronavirus outbreak.
    Grocery chains initially announced an hour of dedicated shopping time to elderly and vulnerable customers after a continued spate of panic-buying meant many shelves were left empty.
    Some supermarkets made the decision to extend the restricted shopping time to National Health Service (NHS) staff, after many were left unable to buy food and essentials while working long shifts.
    Outside a London branch of Sainsbury's on Monday (March 23), customers queued as a security guard waved through NHS staff and elderly people.
    Tesco, Waitrose and Morrisons are among the other supermarket chains that will dedicate the first hour of trading to such customers.
    The British government has urged people to eschew panic-buying or stockpiling and to shop as they normally would, assuring the public that there is more than enough food in the supply chain.
    Health Secretary Matt Hancock has also enlisted the army to deliver items of personal protective equipment (PPE) to medical staff after complaints they did not have enough kit.
    (Production: Will Russell, Ben Dangerfield)
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
  • Copyright Notice: (c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2020. Open For Restrictions - http://about.reuters.com/fulllegal.asp
  • Usage Terms/Restrictions: None
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