A branch of Iceland has set aside special opening hours for its elderly customers to help them out during the coronavirus outbreak.
The store in West Belfast announced this morning that starting from March 17 they will open every Tuesday from 8-9am for elderly customers only.
In a statement Iceland said: "Iceland Foods will be opening their store between 8-9am for the elderly commencing Tuesday 17th March.
"Could the wider public please respect this hour, and understand that this time is allocated for elderly people only.", Belfast Live reports.
The heartwarming gesture has been applauded on social media including praise from celebrity chef Gino D'Acampo who tweeted "I like this…..very cool."
Do you have a coronavirus story to share? Email [email protected]
Coronavirus: Top 13 products that panic-shoppers are buying at supermarkets
Mum in tears as coronavirus panic-buyers leave her with no milk to feed newborn
Gino merged with Iceland last year to produce his own range of Italian frozen products including pizzas, meatballs and pasta dishes.
The move comes as the British Retail Consortium members sent a joint letter to consumers urging everyone to work together to ensure there is enough food for the country as panic buying sweeps across the UK.
Shoppers have been loading their trolleys with essentials including toilet paper, pasta and hand sanitiser as fears intensify over the spread of Covid-19.
The killer bug has claimed the lives of 35 people in the UK.
Coronavirus: Supermarkets including Aldi beg shoppers for help in stark warning
Retailers are currently working "round the clock" to help customers get the items they need, the BRC said.
Panic-buying has been so problematic that Aldi has put in restrictions so that shoppers will only be allowed to purchase four units of all products.
The company's customers have been stockpiling toilet roll, pasta, hand wash, sanitiser gels and pain killers leaving vulnerable people unable to buy what they need during their weekly shop.
Many other supermarkets have placed limits on certain items which are in high demand – but it is believed Aldi is the first supermarket to place the restrictions an all products.
In a statement on its Facebook page, Aldi said: "To our customers,
"We know that many of you are worried about the spread of coronavirus (Covid-19). We want to let you know that we are doing everything we can so that you and your families have the food and essentials you need.
"We are working closely with the Government and our suppliers to keep food moving quickly through the system and making more deliveries to our stores to ensure our shelves are stocked. Those of us with online delivery and click-and-collect services are running them at full capacity to help you get the products you need when you need them.
"We thank all our colleagues in stores and supply chains who are working day and night to keep the nation fed.
"But we need your help too.
"We would ask everyone to be considerate in the way they shop. We understand your concerns but buying more than is needed can sometimes mean that others will be left without. There is enough for everyone if we all work together.
"Together we can make sure we are looking out for family, friends, neighbours. Together we will care for those around us and those who are elderly, vulnerable or choosing to remain at home.
"We are doing all we can to rise to this challenge. Serving you and keeping you and everyone who works with us safe will always be our priority."
Firms are working closely with the Government and suppliers, and have arranged more store deliveries to ensure shelves are stocked, the letter added.
And outlets with online delivery and click-and-collect services are running them at full capacity.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has confirmed all people over 70 will be asked to self-isolate for months to protect themselves from the killer bug.
He admitted it was a "very big ask", but it is a measure which is for their own "self-protection".
Source: Read Full Article
