Coronavirus: Supermarkets in Wales have cordoned off ‘non-essential items’ – shoppers are furious

Shoppers in Wales have criticised government measures which mean “non-essential items” have been put behind metal barriers or covered with plastic sheeting in supermarkets.

Photos on social media show products such as pillows and bedsheets under a plastic covering at a Tesco store, while a photo from a Morrisons supermarket shows children’s clothes behind a cordon.

One social media user has pointed how baby clothes have been deemed to be non-essential in a Tesco supermarket in Cardiff, while vodka is still available on the shelves in the same store.

A photo from a Tesco store in Pengam Green shows products including cups and plates behind metal barriers too.

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Sainsbury’s has emptied shelves and closed part of its store in Tenby that would usually be selling non-essential items.

A sign in the store reads: “Following latest government public health restrictions, we are unable to sell certain items, including plants & flowers, general merchandise, homeware or clothing.”

Sky’s correspondent Becky Johnson, says socks and tights have been cordoned off at a supermarket in Monmouth – but Halloween decorations, Christmas crackers and advent calendars can still be purchased.

One shopper told her that he thinks “the Welsh government has lost the plot”.

Members of the public have expressed their disbelief at the government measures.

A user with the Twitter name Milena ZP wrote: “Not impressed with not being able to purchase items.

“Not thinking of anybody least of all disabled people. Kettle breaks down like ours did in last lockdown at least we could buy one in the supermarket.

“Using a pan of hot water is not viable whilst waiting for delivery for a disabled person like myself. These items are essential and not just for making tea, it’s for hot water bottles helping ease pain.

“So classing these items as non essential is wrong.”

Twitter user Philippa Smallwood wrote: “It’s absolutely ridiculous what is going on in Wales btw (by the way).

“Supermarkets having to tape off aisles as it is not essential items. Pretty sure that if you are isolated for 17 days and your kettle packs in, you should be able to buy a new one.”

Fellow Twitter user Lucy Heath wrote: “Words fail me. How is a microwave not essential for someone if theirs breaks? Same with a kettle?

“Or a duvet/blanket with the weather getting colder? Yet again it’s the people struggling financially that are the hit the hardest… definitely not “in this together” in Wales!”

The images have emerged as Wales entered a 17-day “firebreak” lockdown on Friday.

Police in England have said they will attempt to block non-essential journeys out of Wales during the country’s two-week lockdown.

Gloucestershire Constabulary confirmed they will patrol routes into the Forest of Dean area and pull over vehicles they suspect of making long journeys.

The force said drivers who were found to have driven out of Wales without a valid excuse would be advised to turn around and, if they refused, would then be reported to police in Wales who can issue fines.

It said it would form part of a wider police operation in response to high numbers of people from outside the Forest of Dean area visiting Cannop cycle centre and causing congestion by parking on grass verges near it.

(c) Sky News 2020: Coronavirus: Supermarkets in Wales have cordoned off ‘non-essential items’ – shoppers are furious