Aldi to limit customer numbers in store to meet new social distancing guidelines

Supermarket giant Aldi will be limiting the number of customers allowed in selected stores at any one time in a bid to meet the government's new social distancing policies.

Announced this morning, Aldi said only a specific number of customers – variable on store size – would be allowed in at any one time.

The grocer also asked shoppers to allow more vulnerable Australians to jump queues that may form outside stores.

LIVE BLOG: Australian Government sends nationwide text to warn about social distancing

"To ensure the safety of you and our employees, we are implementing social distancing measures across selected stores," Aldi said in a statement.

"We have limited the number of customers allowed in store at any one time so that when you enter you can have a safe and calm shop.

"Please consider letting those less able or requiring special assistance to the front. Thank you for your patience and understanding."

The announcement comes amid a range of new product restrictions as Aldi Australia works to ensure fair distribution of essential products across customers.

From today, the following restriction purchases now apply:

• Toilet paper – 1 unit
• Paper towels - 2 units
• Tissues - 2 units
• Dry pasta – 2 units
• Flour – 2 units
• Dry rice – 2 units
• Microwave rice - 6 units
• Hand sanitisers – 2 units
• Serviettes - 10 units
• UHT long-life milk - 6 units
• Antibacterial wipes - 10 units
• Canned foods - 10 units
• Mince meat - 2 units
• Eggs - 2 units
• Chilled pasta - 2 units
• Sugar - 2 units
• Liquid soap - 2 units

Aldi Australia said it was doing everything possible to ensure shoppers' needs were being met, and doubled down on requests for customers to behave in store.

"We ask you to please be considerate in the way you shop," the supermarket said.

"We understand your concerns, but if you buy only what you need and stick to the product limits, it helps everyone, especially the elderly and people with disability.

"There are thousands of your fellow Australians who are working tirelessly across our stores every day.

"To them, we say thank you.

"We ask that you treat these dedicated people with the courtesy and respect they deserve. 

"No-one working or shopping in any of our stores should experience abusive or aggressive behaviour."

The store's traditional Easter camping sale will go ahead this Saturday, however the supermarket cannot guarantee stock availability as it works to provide essential groceries.

"We are currently prioritising the transport and distribution of our core grocery items and this may result in some advertised Special Buys not being available on the advertised on-sale date," Aldi said in a statement.

"We will try our best to limit this impact."

Stores remain open at their current trading hours of 9.30am to 7.00pm around the country.