Grocery stores share their readiness for the upcoming lockdown

MELVILLE – Stores to stay open during national lockdown.

March 26, 2020

Andile Dlodlo 2 minutes read

Fresh meat and chicken are running low at some stores across the city as people prepare for the 21-day lockdown. Photo: Nicholas Zaal

Grocery store prepares for those preparing for the lockdown.

With everybody planning to stock up on the goods they need, the stores that supply these goods are preparing for them. At midnight on 26 March, South Africa will go into a 21-day lockdown to try and combat the rising numbers of those infected with the coronavirus (COVID-19). Grocery stores have been listed as one of the industries that will remain open during this time. As shoppers run to their nearest store for what they will need, stores have had different experiences in dealing with the situation.

Canned foods will be at the top of many people’s list as they prepare for a 21-day lockdown which was announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa on 23 March. *Photo: Nicholas Zaal*

Bianca Hattingh of SuperSPAR Melville said they have been hard at work since they opened their doors at 6am to cater for shoppers. She said that they have put the necessary provisions in place to ensure that there will be enough supplies for all that come to the store. Hattingh added that although they have control of the situation, they still need to practice the expected hygienic requirements. At the entrance of the store, someone will give shoppers hand sanitiser and wipes for their trolleys while the cashiers are all wearing masks and gloves.

Bianca Hattingh of SuperSPAR Melville says they are doing all they can to ensure everyone gets what they need as South Africans prepare for the upcoming national lockdown. *Photo: Andile Dlodlo*

In his 23 March address, President Cyril Ramaphosa pleaded with South Africans not stockpile on groceries ahead of the lockdown. He said that there is no need for the masses to flock to the stores to panic buy and asked grocery stores to implement limits on goods to ensure more people can access them.

Toiletpaper and other toiletries have been flying off shelves as the public prepares for the coronavirus lockdown. *Photo: Nicholas Zaal*

The Minister of Agriculture Thoko Didiza also reminded the public that food supplies will not be disrupted during the lockdown and, therefore, there is no need to panic buy. She said the food value chain will not be interrupted, which includes farming, manufacturing, transporting and retail of food products. The minister added that grocery stores should not hike prices during this time and that mechanisms have been put in place to ensure this doesn’t happen.

Shoppers fill stores on 24 March following the announcement of a 21-day national lockdown which will start at midnight on 26 March. Photo: Nicholas Zaal

The Northcliff Melville Times visited a few more stores in the area to see how they are handling the day before the lockdown. Many of them stated that they are still awaiting word from higher management on what to do next. Some mentioned that they have begun running out of hygiene products and some food products.