https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8111897/Britons-form-huge-queues-purchase-toilet-roll-strip-shelves-bare-panic-buying-continues.htmlDesperate shoppers form huge queues to purchase toilet roll and strip shelves bare as panic-buying continues with the coronavirus pandemic sweeping across Britain
Shoppers were seen in queues at supermarkets as they tried to get their hands on toilet roll and hand sanitiser
Crowds gathered on paths beside Sainsbury's in Ladbroke Grove and Savers in Wood Green, both in London
And another bizarre picture shows a man dressed in a combat-style hazmat suit carrying 27 toilet rolls in Bath
Food retailers have urged customers to shop responsibly during the coronavirus outbreak as shelves are bare
Coronavirus symptoms: what are they and should you see a doctor?
By Jack Elsom and James Gant For Mailonline
Published: 11:40, 14 March 2020 | Updated: 19:26, 14 March 2020
Coronavirus panic-buying unleashed carnage on British supermarkets today as hoards of shoppers gutted the nation's food and toilet roll aisles. Startling scenes across the country saw shoppers crammed outside store entrances before making a bee-line for hygiene products, which have been a scarce sight over recent days. A sea of trolleys piled high with tinned products and essentials were pictured inside one London Asda branch as Britons braced to bunker down at home after Boris Johnson urged anyone with a cough to self-isolate. The supermarket pandemonium came after the UK's death toll doubled to 21 and the number of cases jumped to more than 1,100. In a sign that the UK's epidemic was rapidly spiralling, Donald Trump today extended the United States' travel ban to include Britain. The flight freeze will kick in at midnight tomorrow, scuppering scores of trans-Atlantic work and holiday plans. The panic hitting the UK's high streets reached fever pitch with one man from Bath, who was pictured dressed in a combat-style hazmat suit carrying 27 toilet rolls. Food retailers have urged customers to shop responsibly during the coronavirus outbreak as shelves are left bare. British Retail Consortium members sent a joint letter to consumers who are frightened stiff of contracting the life-threatening bug asking everyone to work together to ensure there is enough food for the country. Retailers are currently working 'round the clock' to help customers get the items they need, the BRC said. The letter aims to reassure customers while calling on them to support each other during the crisis. It said: '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. 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.'
Firms are working closely with the Government and suppliers, and have arranged more store deliveries to ensure shelves are stocked, the letter added. Speaking on behalf of the retailers, Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, said: 'Retailers are working incredibly hard to keep shops well-stocked and deliveries running as smoothly as possible. In the face of unprecedented demand as a result of coronavirus, food retailers have come together to ask their customers to support each other to make sure everyone can get access to the products they need.'
