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A line of people queue inside a Coles supermarket in Brisbane.
Panic shopping has returned in Brisbane supermarkets as residents of the Australian city prepare to close for three days.
Parking lots are full and huge lines are forming outside Coles and Woolworths stores across the city as people rush to stock up on supplies.
The rush comes despite the Queensland state prime minister ensuring that all essential retailers, including supermarkets, can stay open during the three-day lockdown period.
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Professor Shaun Hendy says the new strain is a “risk” to our border because it is so much more transmissible.
Queensland Health has told residents that there is no need to excessively store anything.
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“There is no reason to panic. Groceries and commodities will remain available throughout the Greater Brisbane shutdown,” the statement read.
“Those who go to supermarkets, especially during busy periods, are reminded to practice social distancing, hand hygiene, wear a mask and follow all health tips.”
Retailers urge customers to buy only what they need.
There are reports on social media that some products, including toilet paper, are already piling up.
Jono Searle / Getty Images
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said Greater Brisbane would enter a lockdown over the weekend.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced the shutdown to prevent the spread of the coronavirus strain in the UK after the quarantined hotel cleaner tested positive yesterday.
Starting at 6 p.m. on Friday, residents of Brisbane, Logan, Ipswich, Moreton and Redlands are urged to stay home until at least 6 p.m. Monday.
This story was originally published on Nine news and republished with permission.
