Supermarkets operating without panic

In spite of reports of panic buying at supermarkets further south, Warkworth New World and Countdown supermarkets are operating normally, under the circumstances.

There have only been moderate queues today, mainly as staff regulate the number of people who are in the store.

New World store manager Jeremy Ross says there is plenty of stock and shelves are fully stocked.

“There’s absolutely no need to panic,” he says.

Countdown shelves were also full.

Both stores have placed limits on some commodities such as flour, bread, toilet paper, sanitiser, some tinned goods and feminine hygiene products.

Supermarket staff are wearing masks, as are most of the shoppers.