Coles issues toilet paper limits after panic-buying in WA

Coles has introduced a one-pack-per-person buying limit on toilet paper for all stores in Western Australia, following scenes of panic-buying across the state.

In an update to customers, Coles said limits are now in place at all Coles supermarkets and Coles Express stores in Western Australia to help manage demand for "key staple items".

Customers will only be allowed to buy one pack of toilet paper and paper towel each, and two packs of products such as milk, hand sanitiser, mince, tissues and more.

READ MORE: Coles to sell $359 refurbished iPhone 8 devices

A full list of product limits can be found below.

Additionally, face masks will need to be worn in stores in the Perth, Peel and South West regions.

"We ask customers to ensure they are wearing a face mask before entering any of our stores unless they have an exemption – and the same rules apply to our team," Coles said in a statement.

"Coles has also implemented enhanced safety and hygiene measures in stores in Perth and the Peel and South West Regions to help customers shop safely, including greeting customers at the entrance of our supermarkets to remind them to use the sanitising station, which includes hand sanitiser and disinfectant wipes for trolleys, before they enter."

EXPLAINED: Everything you need to know about the border changes across the country as WA enters a five-day lockdown

Long queues formed at supermarkets yesterday after the WA Government announced a five-day lockdown for Perth, Peel region and the South West region.

Despite the lockdown allowing for residents to leave their home to do essentials such as grocery shopping, shelves were stripped bare of toilet paper and paper towels.

Coles State General Manager for Western Australia Pat Zanetti said the health and safety of customers and team members remains Coles' top priority.

READ MORE: Coles issues national recall over spread that could contain peanuts

"We have well-established safety protocols based on what we have learned from COVID restrictions implemented in other states.," Mr Zanetti said.

"Taking these immediate and additional safety measures will protect and ensure our customers and team members can feel safe in our stores.

"We have also increased the number of team members in stores and expanded our Coles Online capacity to help serve customers quickly and safely during this busy time."

LIVE UPDATES: Medical boss warns Perth lockdown could last much longer

Coles' WA buying restrictions:

One pack per customer:

·         Toilet paper

·         Paper towel

Two packs per customer:

·         Fresh white milk

·         Hand sanitiser

·         Chilled pasta

·         Liquid soaps

·         Poultry thighs

·         Poultry breasts

·         Tissues

·         Mince

·         Burgers

·         Frozen vegetables

·         Sausages

·         Frozen chips

·         Long life milk

·         Canned meals

·         Pasta

·         Canned fish

·         Flour

·         Canned vegetables

·         Rice

·         Pre-packed seafood

·         Sugar

·         Noodles

·         Eggs

·         Face masks

You can get up-to-date information from the Federal Government's Coronavirus Australia app, available on the App Store, Google Play and the Government's WhatsApp channel.

Beyond Blue's Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service is a 24/7 service free of charge to all Australians. Visit the site here or call 1800512348

For coronavirus breaking news alerts and livestreams straight to your smartphone sign up to the 9News app and set notifications to on at the App Store or Google Play.