Government Reassures There Will Be No Shortage Of Food Available In The UK

During today's daily press conference on the coronavirus outbreak, it was announced that there will be no shortage of food in the UK.

Supermarket shelves have been left empty as people buy household essentials in bulk during the Covid-19 pandemic, but Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Secretary George Eustice reassured the public that there is 'no shortage' of food.

PA

During a televised media briefing he explained: "We recognise that this is a challenging time and that there are many things that the government is asking the nation to do differently as we work together to fight this pandemic.

"However, there is one message I want to start with loud and clear this afternoon - just be responsible when you shop and think of others.

"Buying more than you need means that others may be left without and it's making life more difficult for those front line workers such as our doctors, nurses and front line support staff."

BBC

He went on to say: "There is more than enough food to go around and our food supply chain is able to expand production to cope with increased demand.

"In the last week sales of some foods have increased significantly and manufacturers have produced around 50 percent more food than they usually would. There is no shortage of food available and more is arriving at shops every day.

"The challenge that all of our retailers have faced is keeping shelves stocked throughout the day in the face of increased purchasing behaviour."

PA

Mr Eustice continued: "We all have a role to play in ensuring that we come through this together, so the government has taken steps to set aside rules restricting deliveries to stores, and relaxed restrictions on driver hours so that more goods can be delivered to every store every day.

"We have also set aside competition laws so that supermarkets can coordinate their efforts locally: sharing staff, sharing delivery vehicles and coordinating their store opening times to ensure food reaches every part of the country."

He went on to thank all the staff working in supermarkets up and down the country 'who are doing so much to deliver such a crucial service to us all'.

Let's all bring some positivity, support and fun to anyone who might find themselves in isolation as a result of the coronavirus spread. Need some entertainment? Join Isolation Nation: https://www.facebook.com/groups/coronasupport/

Topics: uk news, Coronavirus

Rebecca Shepherd

I'm Becky - a journalist at LADbible. I graduated with a First Class BA in Journalism before going on to cover criminal court cases, medical tribunals and breaking news for the national media - which inevitably and eventually became as glum as it sounds. Can often be found rocking a bag for life - which I made a 'thing' way before Rihanna. You can contact me at [email protected]

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