Asda and Tesco limit customers to just three of each item as coronavirus panic buying continues
ASDA and Tesco shoppers will be limited to buying just three of each item across ALL food and household products from today.
The supermarkets have introduced the drastic measures to prevent shoppers panicking buying after Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned households to self-isolate where possible to slow the spread of coronavirus.
⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates
Asda and Tesco say the limits will apply both in store and online, although both stress they're replenishing stock daily.
But Tesco adds that paracetamol and toilet roll will continue to have a limit of two per customer.
Asda had already limited hand santisers and cleaning products two per person, online and in stores, as well as baby forumla, and we've asked if this will continue to be the case.
It comes as Sainsbury's also today limited shoppers to buying a maximum of three of any grocery item and two of the most popular products, such as toilet paper, soap and UHT milk.
While earlier this week, Aldi restricted shoppers to four items of every product.
We've asked if major supermarket chain Morrisons will do the same and we'll update this story as soon as we get a response.
Here's a full list of what supermarkets had been rationing up until now.
In a statement Asda said: "Like most retailers, we have seen a heightened demand for products both in stores and online.
"We have plenty of products to go around, but we have a responsibility to do the right thing for our communities to help our customers look after their loved ones in a time of need.
CORONAVIRUS CRISIS - BE IN THE KNOW
Get the latest coronavirus news, facts and figures from around the world - plus essential advice for you and your family.
To receive our Covid-19 newsletter in your inbox every tea time, .
To follow us on Facebook, simply .
"This is why, as of March 18, customers will ONLY be able to buy up to three of any product across all food items, toiletries and cleaning products, so that all of our customers in stores and online have access to the products they and their families need."
A Tesco spokesperson said: “To help our customers get the things they need at this time, we are introducing a purchase limit of three items on all our products.
More on coronavirus
"Our stock levels are good, and we have daily deliveries to replenish our stores. We would ask our customers to please shop as they normally would, to help maintain good availability for everyone.”
It comes as only yesterday, Tesco decided to temporarily close all 24 hour stores early between 10pm and 6am to give staff time to re-stock empty shelves.
While Asda today confirmed it too will temporarily close 24-hour stores between 12am and 6am so it can re-stock and clean.