UK retailers have urged customers to stop panic buying due to fears over coronavirus.
In a joint letter, the country's supermarkets, including Asda, Waitrose, Aldi, and Tesco, have assured people that there is enough food to go around, as well as essentials, as long as 'we all work together'.
It comes as photographs began circulating the internet of supermarket shelves stripped bare, with worried shoppers loading up their trolleys with pasta, tinned food and toiletries.
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Reassuring customers, the letter says: "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.
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"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."
The sentiments have been echoed by Sainsbury's boss Mike Coupe, who assured customers that stock is being replenished regularly and there is no need to stockpile.
He said: "There are gaps on shelves because of increased demand, but we have new stock arriving regularly and we're doing our best to keep shelves stocked.
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"Please think before you buy and only buy what you and your family need."
Meanwhile Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, praised chains for working hard to keep their shelves well stocked.
She explained: "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."
The joint letter has also been backed by the Environment Secretary, George Eustice, who reiterated the need for communities to work together in this time of need.
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He added: "I fully support the call from British food retailers urging us all to be considerate in the way we shop and look out for our neighbours.
"By working together, our leading supermarkets have provided the reassurance there is plenty of stock available and people should buy products as they normally would.
"We are in regular contact with the food industry and retailers are continuing to monitor their supply chains and are taking all the necessary steps to ensure consumers have the food and supplies they need."
It's okay to not panic. LADbible and UNILAD's aim with our campaign, Cutting Through, is to provide our community with facts and stories from the people who are either qualified to comment or have experienced first-hand the situation we're facing. For more information from the World Health Organisation on Coronavirus, click here.
Topics: UK News, Coronavirus