Coronavirus shopping limits: Coles, Woolworths reintroduce restrictions for shoppers nationwide

Just when you thought we were returning to life as we know it, we're now having to go two steps back when it comes to our weekly grocery shop. With Victoria experiencing a second wave of COVID-19 cases and panic buying kicking off in select outlets in the state, supermarket giants Woolworths and Coles have both reintroduced purchase limits nationwide, effective today, as a precautionary measure.

At Coles these include:

• Toilet paper - one pack
• Paper towel - one pack

And at Woolworths

• Toilet paper - two pack
• Paper towel – two pack

These restrictions are in addition to limits at Woolworths and Coles outlets in Victoria and on the NSW Border, which is limited to a two of each of the following items:

• Hand sanitiser 
• Flour
• Eggs
• Sugar
• Mince
• UHT milk
• Rice
• Pasta 

In a statement Coles said: "We ask that customers continue to shop normally so that everyone can have access to the food and groceries they need."

It is not known at this stage how long the limits will be in place but hopefully it will prevent the sea of empty shelves witnessed at many supermarkets across the country mere months ago.