'Our team are here to help, not hurt': Woolworths urge customers not to abuse staff

Woolworths have placed signs up in the windows of its stores urging customers not to abuse staff.

Supermarkets across the country have been cleared of stock as people "panic buy" amid the worldwide coronavirus outbreak.

However, shortages have seen customers yelling at employees, and abusing staff members as they work frantically to keep up with demand.

"Zero Tolerance. Aggressive and abusive behavior will not be tolerated. Our team are here to help, not hurt," the signs read.

9News has seen the notices in stores in Sydney, as well as Perth.

Yesterday Woolworths Managing Director called for calm amid the madness.

"Now - more than ever - we need to be kind to each other," Claire Peters said.

Today in Melbourne, a Woolworths employee was stabbed in a shocking display of violence.

Police confirmed a 37-year-old man was stabbed in the carpark of Rosebud West Woolworths just before 1pm.

It is believed the employee was collecting trolleys, when he was approached by an unknown man and stabbed to the lower body.

The attack is not thought to be linked to other violent incidents relating to "panic buying'.