It’s a growing frustration for Delta grocery shoppers, while many local businesses are being hit hard.
As news reports about the coronavirus outbreak became dire late last week, panic buying set in with emptied grocery shelves and angry residents saying it was crazy and completely unnecessary.
While hand sanitizers and disinfectant wipes were already hard to find, toilet paper was still available at most stores last week.
This week, however, it became impossible to find it anywhere unless shoppers were lucky enough to arrive at a store that had just received a shipment.
Unlike last week, strict limits on toilet paper, as well as a growing list of other items, have been implemented to prevent hoarders from buying up everything.
It seemed to work, fortunately, as some Delta stores by mid-week had some toilet paper on shelves.
Heads of paper product manufactures in a variety of news stories over the past couple of weeks have been saying the virus is not having an impact on the industry and they’re able to replenish, stressing there’s no need to panic buy.
It’s a similar message from government officials but it’s one that seemed to fall on deaf ears.
Stores still have food items, including canned foods, although meat and dairy products have started to become limited as well this week.
Several shoppers told the Optimist they weren’t panicked but could clearly sense it in the community,
Several also anticipated a total shutdown looming as the government seeks to contain the virus spread.
Some outlets, including Save-On-Foods and Shoppers Drug Mart, have started exclusive morning shopping times for seniors so they have a chance to get items without the crowds.
Delta liquor stores, meantime, so far haven’t seen a huge rush of people stockpiling but customers told the Optimist they have purchased a few extras, saying there was no need to go crazy.
It was announced Thursday that liquor stores will have reduced hours and limits on how many can be in stores, so it remains to be seen if that encourages more of a rush.
Meanwhile, other businesses, including restaurants, are hurting with some altering their operations or closing down temporarily.
Several stores at Tsawwassen Mills closed earlier this week and by mid-week most, including food vendors, shut their doors as barley any customers are venturing through the megamall.
While some stores and most offices are now closed, many Delta small businesses, remained open for business this week, having taken safety precautions. However, quite a few have now begun closing shop as well.
The province hasn’t gone so far as to order a lockdown.
The federal government this week announced aid measures for Canadians and businesses feeling the impact of the pandemic.
Ladner Business Association president Jill McKnight said the virus scare is creating some challenging times, particularly for the smaller businesses.
It truly is an unprecedented circumstance and one that despite some planning for is scary for a lot of business owners, she said.
Some suggestions she offered included continuing to shop in local businesses either in person or through their websites, and many of the local stores have sufficient space to accommodate social distancing suggestions
Residents can also purchase gift cards that can be used at a later date.
Also urging residents to support local businesses, Michelle Barlow, executive director of the Tsawwassen Business Improvement Association, said while the majority of local businesses are still open, some have had no choice but to close their doors to assist in flattening the curve and they are looking at alternative ways to connect with customers.
Garry Shearer, executive director of the Delta Chamber of Commerce, said many small businesses, particularly retailers and restaurants, are going to be significantly impacted, so the chamber is reaching out with information, including government resources as they become available.
