Elderly and vulnerable shopping hours and other key information

Supermarkets are rationing products and open stores exclusively for elderly and vulnerable people after stockpiling across the nation led to empty supermarket shelves.

So if you're over 70 and considered at risk, which supermarkets are offering elderly hour, and when should you go?

Asda

Elderly and vulnerable hours will be between 9am to 10am across stores.

• Three-item limit per each item store wide
• 24-hour stores closed between 12am and 6am
• Non-contact delivery available to customers who are isolating

In a statement the company said: “We are working really hard to keep our shelves stocked and deliver as many orders as we possibly can to keep serving your community. Please shop responsibly and just buy what you need so that everyone has access to the essentials.”

Tesco

Tesco have announced that the first hour of its opening times will specifically be catered for the most vulnerable.

• Three-item limit per each item store wide
• 24-hour stores will close between 10pm and 6am

In a statement Tesco said: “We will be implementing some changes in-store - changes to simplify what we do, create the most helpful shopping experience we can, and support our hard-working colleagues. Together, we can do this.”

Morrisons

• Currently not accepting returned bags
• Delivery drivers not permitted to enter houses or hand over shopping bags
• Launching simple-to-order food parcels for vulnerable shortly

In a statement Morrisons said: “The safety and well-being of our customers and colleagues is always our number one priority - and never more so than now, during the Coronavirus outbreak.”

Sainsbury’s

Sainsbury’s is open from 7am to 10pm and has dedicated its first two opening hours to the elderly and vulnerable.

• Limit on three items per product per customer

In a statement Sainsbury’s said: “As we work to feed the nation, we are also focusing all our efforts on getting as much food and other essential items from our suppliers, into our warehouses and onto shelves as we possibly can. We still have enough food for everyone – if we all just buy what we need for us and our families. “

Iceland

The first opening hour of your local Iceland and The Food Warehouse branches will be dedicated to the elderly and most vulnerable.

• There is currently no limit on product items

In a statement the company said: “We have seen a huge response to our opening hours for the elderly and most vulnerable. Whilst it was positive to see such a reaction to the initiative, it highlighted the need for us to do more to support the most vulnerable in our communities.”

Co-op

The Co-operative have currently not introduced any dedicated times.

• Two-item cap on certain products such as toilet roll and anti-bacterial soap

In a statement the company said: “We’re working to make sure our shops remain stocked but due to high demand we may be low on or out of stock of some items. Please only buy what you need.”

Aldi & Lidl

The first opening hour of your local Aldi and Lidl branches will be dedicated to the elderly and most vulnerable.

• Four items per product per visit