Woolworths is selling seven weeks' worth of toilet paper EVERY DAY as panic-buying shoppers strip supermarket shelves due to the coronavirus outbreak
- Woolworths has been selling seven weeks worth of toilet paper every day
- Supermarket announced plans to increase supply of toilet paper for customers
- Coronavirus cases soared to 350 across Australia and people are panicking
- Panicked shoppers are stocking up on items should they be put into lockdown
- Coronavirus symptoms: what are they and should you see a doctor?
Woolworths has been selling seven weeks' worth of toilet paper every day as shoppers are stripping shelves bare.
The supermarket giant announced plans to increase the supply of toilet paper as consumer demand is exceeding the capacity of distribution centres.
As confirmed coronavirus cases have soared to 350 across Australia, panicked shoppers are stocking up on items should cities be placed into lockdown.
Woolworths has been selling seven weeks worth of toilet paper every day as shoppers are stripping shelves bare amid coronavirus panic-buying
The supermarket giant announced plans to increase the supply of toilet paper as consumer demand is exceeding the capacity of distribution centres
Woolworths managing director Claire Peters told reporters on Monday that demand for toilet paper had dramatically increased as the coronavirus outbreak escalated.
'Loo roll is a large cube that takes up a lot of space on trucks. But the great news is we are seeing huge support from our suppliers that have changed their lines to different packs sizes so more customers can get their hands on packs,' Ms Peters said.
Earlier on Monday, Woolworths announced it will close supermarkets early on Wednesday so it can restock stores as panic buying continues across Australia.
Share this article
All 995 stores across the country will shut at 8pm and re-open at 7am on Thursday.
'We want to slow the panic down,' Woolworths managing director Claire Peters said.
'We understand that our customers' priority is to be prepared, but the vast majority of our food is grown or manufactured in Australia so there is not a concern with supply. What we have is a spike in demand.'
Woolworths also announced it is suspending online deliveries in parts of Victoria - where it had 'extraordinary' demand - to focus on keeping supermarkets stocked.
The company's sales last weekend hit a 12-month high.
On Sunday night Woolworths became the first supermarket giant to announce it will open early with a dedicated shopping hour for the elderly and disabled to stock up without being caught up in the panic buying chaos.
Most stores across the nation will open to the vulnerable exclusively from 7am to 8am, starting Tuesday until at least Friday.
Panic sparked by the spread of coronavirus in Australia has seen supermarkets stripped of long-life essentials such as toilet paper, pasta and tinned and other dried food and shoppers embroiled in ugly confrontations over limited stock.
'The move has been prompted by the unprecedented demand in supermarkets over the past week, which has seen many elderly and vulnerable people in the community missing out on vital items they may need when they shop,' Woolworths announced on Monday.
As confirmed coronavirus cases have soared to 350 across Australia, panicked shoppers are stocking up on items should they be put into lockdown
Woolworths managing director Claire Peters told reporters on Monday that demand for toilet paper had dramatically increased as the coronavirus outbreak escalated
'While we'll continue to do our very best to restock our stores during this period of unprecedented demand, we know many of our elderly customers have been missing out on essential items when they shop,' Ms Peters said.
'This temporary measure will give them, and those with a disability, the opportunity to shop before our stores officially open - helping them obtain the essential items they need most in a less crowded environment. '
Shoppers must have a government issued seniors or disability card to be granted early access.
Stores will open to other customers from 8am.
Panic sparked by the spread of coronavirus in Australia has seen supermarkets stripped of long-life essentials such as toilet paper
