The new supermarket contingency plans have been detailed by City analyst, Bruno Monteyne, from the investment firm Alliance Bernstein.
According to the Guardian, Mr Monteyne said a major outbreak of the virus could result in “panic buying, empty shelves and food riots.”
But he adds that retailers have “ready-made plans” to deal with disruption and move to “feed-the-nation” status.
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Many Boots stores recently sold out of hand santiser and face masks as the prospect of a epidemic in the UK hits
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Many people have gone to buy items – only to find them sold out Credit: London News Pictures SUPERMARKET SWEEP
In a note to investors, Mr Monteyne wrote: “Yes, it will be chaotic (and expect pictures of empty shelves) but the industry will reduce complexity to keep the country fed.”
He added that Tesco has practiced simulation exercises, with different teams preparing responses to a flu pandemic.
He also said supermarkets and their suppliers would work together to agree “a major reduction in ranges,” adding that the big grocers were likely “to be drawing up lists right now of which products will be prioritized.
Mr Monteyne says he would expect the army to be called in, in the event of an acute food shortage.
Among the essentials worried shoppers have been said to be stockpiling are nappies, toilet roll, soup, tinned fruit, pet food, medicine, bottled water – and booze.
Has the world gone mad? Popped into Asda on way home and found empty shelves because of coronavirus panic buying. Staff working overtime to cope with online orders because people too scared to come into store
pic.twitter .com / BgP4ORB2u9 – Nick Turner (@nickincumbria) March 2, 369712
Road-rage thug slams i nto Toyota driver as wife and baby, 1, watch in horror
Under the new “social distancing” strategy, Brits will be encouraged to work from home and told to avoid unnecessary travel.
The government will not force businesses to make their employees work from home or monitor their traveling but will encourage firms to follow the measures if the virus spreads.
The plan also looks to bring back health professionals who have retired while relaxing rules around staff to pupil ratios in education and health care settings.
Matt Hancock says he’ll use the police if necessary to contain the Coronavirus Read More
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