Supermarkets across the region are going to great lengths to make sure older, vulnerable shoppers and NHS staff are getting the supplies they need during the coronavirus pandemic.
Since the introduction of social distancing three weeks ago, superstores have seen queues at their doors from 6am as people stock up on food and necessities.
Since then we have seen product limits introduced, visors installed at checkouts and floor markings to ensure everyone is a safe distance apart.
Now, many supermarkets are tackling their online order system to guarantee they are supporting those most in need.
Several have increased the number of deliveries they can make, and many are working with the government to identify customers who will need shopping brought to their door. See what each supermarket is doing below: Tesco
Online delivery slots are already full for several weeks at Tesco, so the supermarket has asked those able to visit a shop to do so and leave upcoming slots free for vulnerable shoppers or those self-isolating.
They are contacting customers who are older, vulnerable or self-isolating to offer them specially reserved delivery slots.
Shoppers can also contact Tesco by phone to apply for a priority slot if they are unable to leave the house.
Morrisons
Morrisons have a digital queueing system on their website, so you will have to wait until enough people have finished shopping before you can start filling your basket .
Delivery slots are booked for weeks in advance but are open to everyone.
To make online shopping faster, they also unveiled a £30 box of essentials containing fresh meat, vegetables, canned goods, bread and milk. As of April 7 about 70,000 boxes have been ordered and they are currently sold out.
Asda
Asda delivery slots are also filled for weeks and they are asking healthy shoppers to visit their nearest supermarket.
They are contacting customers who are older, vulnerable or self-isolating to offer them specially reserved delivery slots.
They have also launched a new pre-paid scheme, the ‘Volunteer Card’, which can be purchased online by those self-isolating and sent to family or volunteers to shop for them.
The scheme is designed to avoid the exchange of cash or bank details.
Iceland
The supermarket has asked healthy customers under the pension age to visit their shops to make delivery slots available to older, vulnerable and self-isolating customers.
Waitrose
Waitrose has dedicated 25% of all online order slots to older and vulnerable customers with the help of the government to identify which customers need their help.
Sainsbury’s
The supermarket is also working with the government to identify their most vulnerable customers and off them home delivery services before opening their slots to the general public.
Aldi and Lidl
Neither budget supermarket is offering online grocery shopping.
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