MP urges Newtownabbey residents not to ‘bulk-buy’ during coronavirus outbreak

In a letter, issued to the Times, the DUP representative said: “Over these past two weeks the world has been coping with the spread of Covid 19.

“The disease is new and without vaccine which means it is more likely to spread than seasonal flu. For this reason, there are times when we might have to restrict our movement and change our lifestyle to protect our loved ones and society-at-large.

“Supermarkets in recent days have witnessed their shelves being cleared of essentials like toilet roll and soap. Panic buying does not help, in fact it makes things worse.

“I have been speaking with older members of our community who have been struggling to get any amount of the basics during their shop.

“Many of those contacting me are simply unable to make multiple journeys in a day to pick up items from a supermarket.

“These are the most susceptible people in South Antrim to Covid 19 yet they cannot get what they need because of other people needlessly stock-piling items at a rate they simply could not use.”

Mr Girvan added: “Speaking with the supermarkets in South Antrim I was reassured that they had no problems with the supply-chain of essential items.

“They have stock of essentials however it takes time to get these items onto the shelves and it takes longer whenever people are clearing the shelves needlessly.

“We have a responsibility as individuals not to act in a way that will harm the most vulnerable in our community. I am asking those who are stock piling to think about what they are doing and why they are doing it.

“Do you really need everything in your shopping basket? Is there enough for your friends and family if they came into the shop later in the day?

“Our community will cope with the outbreak of COVID-19. Nonetheless we must look after those who need a little more help and a little more time to do life as we might.

“It will be easier if we can all access the essentials in the shop. The message is simple: Don’t bulk-buy.”