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Shoppers in Wales have criticized government measures that mean that “non-essential items” have been placed behind metal barriers or covered with plastic sheeting in supermarkets.
Photos on social media show products such as pillows and sheets under a plastic cover at a Tesco store, while a photo from a Morrison supermarket shows children’s clothing behind a cord.
One social media user has pointed out that baby clothes have been deemed non-essential at a Tesco supermarket in Cardiff, while vodka is still available on the shelves in the same store.
A photo from a Tesco store on Pengam Green shows products including glasses and plates also behind metal barriers.
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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.”
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.
Children’s clothing is now behind a cordon at Morrisons in Cardiff Bay
Stationery is also not available to shoppers at the Pengam Green store
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.
“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.”
Empty shelves look like a closed part of a Sainsbury store
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.”
Household products are kept behind a plastic barrier at a Tesco in Cardiff
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!”
Shoppers have expressed disbelief at the measures put in place at Tesco stores in Wales.
The images have emerged as Wales entered a 17-day “firewall” lockdown on Friday.
England police have said they will try to block non-essential travel outside Wales during the two-week lockdown of the country.
Gloucestershire police confirmed that they will patrol the routes into the Forest of Dean area and stop vehicles they suspect of taking long trips.
The force said drivers who were found to have left Wales without a valid excuse would be advised to turn around and, if they refused, would be reported to the Welsh police, who may impose fines.
He said it would be part of a larger law enforcement operation in response to large numbers of people from outside the Forest of Dean area visiting the Cannop Bike Center and causing congestion by parking on the grass margins near it.
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