Why supermarket shelves are emptying – and it's NOT panic buying
Customers across Sydney are being greeted with empty shelves at major supermarkets in what is a flow-on effect of the state’s ongoing coronavirus lockdown.
Over the weekend, NSW entered its 11th week of lockdown. Frustrated shoppers at Woolworths, Coles and Aldi Stores in Greater Sydney took to social media to share pictures of depleted, bare shopping aisles.
@Coles in Katoomba is looking a bit empty 🙁 pic.twitter.com/tjIzXVd9v1
— JON DEE (JonDee.com) (@JonDeeOz) September 2, 2021
Fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, dairy and bakery sections all looking a little scarce. However, panic buying isn’t responsible this time around, instead wide spread covid-19 virus is to blame, forcing employees into isolation for an extended period of time.
Images: supplied by customer
This has caused serious disruption to supply chains. Woolworths have over 3,300 staff members in self-isolation while Coles has just under 1800 people in quarantine. Aldi has admits self-isolation orders for staff are causing disruptions across their supply chain too.
Staff members that remain able to work are stretched thin, causing widespread issues in the supply chain and their ability to stock shelves. All retails involved have assured customers that food remains plentiful – the problem being just getting it into stores.