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The Welsh government will review how the ban on supermarkets from selling non-essential items is working to make sure “common sense is applied,” Prime Minister Mark Drakeford said.
More than 34,000 people signed a petition calling on politicians to revoke the ban on Saturday, which they described as “disproportionate and cruel.”
As Wales entered a 17-day coronavirus fire protection lockdown, photos on social media showed products such as pillows and sheets under a plastic cover at a Tesco store.
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One social media user pointed out how baby clothes were considered non-essential in a Tesco supermarket in Cardiff, while vodka was still available on the shelves in the same store.
A photo from a Tesco store in Pengam Green showed products including cups and plates also behind metal barriers.
Drakeford said: “We will review how the weekend has gone with the supermarkets and make sure common sense is applied.
“Supermarkets can sell anything that can be sold in any other type of store that is not required to close. In the meantime, only leave home if necessary.”
The opposition leader in the Welsh parliament, Paul Davies, called the ban “insane”.
The conservative added that he has written to the president of the Senedd to call the members so they can debate the measures.
He said: “The Labor-led government in Wales may not believe these elements are essential, but many will disagree.”
But in a previous post on its Twitter account, the Welsh government said the measures “are not simply because they are difficult.”
“Supermarkets can continue to sell items that you can find in other essential stores, such as stationery / greeting cards,” he said.
Stationery is also not available to shoppers at the Pengam Green store
“The purpose of selling essential items only during the firewall is to discourage spending more time than necessary in stores and to be fair to retailers who have to close.”
He added that people in Wales must “do everything possible to minimize the time we spend away from our homes” to save lives and protect the healthcare system.
Sainsbury’s has emptied the shelves and closed part of its Tenby store that normally sold non-essential items.
A sign at the store reads: “Following the latest government public health restrictions, we are unable to sell certain items, including plants and flowers, general merchandise, household items or clothing.”
Products including cups and plates are seen behind a barrier at a Tesco in Pengam Green
Sky correspondent Becky Johnson says the socks and stockings have been cordoned off at a supermarket in Monmouth, but Halloween decorations, Christmas cookies and Advent calendars can still be bought.
One buyer told him that he believes “the Welsh government has lost the plot”.
Members of the public have expressed disbelief at the government’s measures.
A man was filmed tearing plastic covers off non-essential items in the supermarket.
Household products are kept behind a plastic barrier at a Tesco in Cardiff
Gwilym Owen wrote on Facebook: “I had enough last night. I don’t care what backlash this might have. I heard last night that supermarkets covered ‘non-essential’ things like clothes. We are heading into winter now and who would have thought clothing for children was not essential?
“I don’t expect everyone to do what I did here, but I do hope everyone knows that denying public clothing is nothing but immoral and inhuman. So no, I am not ashamed of what I have done.”
One Twitter user by the name of Milena ZP wrote: “I’m not impressed that I can’t buy items.
“Without thinking of anyone, least of all disabled people. The kettle breaks down like ours in the last closing, at least we could buy one in the supermarket.
Children’s clothing is now behind a cordon at Morrisons in Cardiff Bay
“Using a pot of hot water is not feasible while awaiting the delivery of a disabled person like me. These items are essential not only for making tea, but also for hot water bottles that help relieve pain.
“So classifying these items as non-essential is wrong.”
Twitter user Philippa Smallwood wrote: “It is absolutely ridiculous what is happening in Wales by the way (by the way).
“Supermarkets have to cover aisles as they are not essential items. I’m pretty sure if you are isolated for 17 days and your kettle is packed, you should be able to buy a new one.”
Her Twitter partner Lucy Heath wrote: “Words fail me. How come a microwave is not essential to someone if theirs breaks? The same goes for a kettle?
“Or a comforter / blanket with the weather getting colder? Once again, it’s the financially struggling people who are the hardest hit … definitely not ‘in this together’ in Wales!”
