Coles and Woolworths to limit number of customers inside stores ahead of Easter shopping rush

Coles and Woolworths to limit number of customers inside stores ahead of Easter shopping rush

Australian Supermarket giants Coles and Woolworths are dramatically escalating their social distancing policies by introducing a limit on the number of customers inside stores  ahead of Easter to ensure the safety of staff and customers against the spread of COVID-19.

From Monday until the foreseeable future, shoppers will be forced to wait in cordoned off queues outside until people inside leave.

Customers will be required to queue outside the store while the number of people allowed in will be managed using a "one in, one out policy".

The new measures will roll out next week. Local centre management security and police will manage the queues at peak times and enforce the 1.5m distancing rules.

The number of customers allowed in any one store will depend on its size. Shopping hours will also be extended in the majority of stores to reduce congestion and Both supermarkets encourages people to shop alone if possible.

Woolworths also announced they would be switching on their 'Pick-Up' service on Monday for Priority Assistance customers with family members, neighbours or friends able to collect goods on their behalf.