Snap lockdown sparks panic buying

New rules that come in at midnight dictate residents across the entire state can only leave home for one of four reasons – one of those being to shop for essential supplies.

But within sixty minutes of Premier Dan Andrews making the announcement, toilet paper shelves were empty, and check out lines were snaking into the aisles.

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A number of people took to social media sharing their experiences.

One user posted that she went to visit her small local shopping centre and could not find a car park.

“(There are) people everywhere panic buying. YOU DO NOT NEED TO PANIC BUY, SUPERMARKETS ARE STILL GOING TO BE OPEN,” she wrote.

One woman posted a photo of an empty shelf, normally stacked with toilet paper.

Another user said they were called into work at Coles just one hour after the lockdown was announced.

“STOP PANIC BUYING THE STORES STAY OPEN FOR GODS SAKEEE,” they said.

Footage emerged online showing long queues of people with piled up trolleys at their local supermarket.

Premier Daniel Andrews announced the “circuit breaker” would begin from 11.59pm on Friday until Wednesday February 17.

Under the lockdown rules, Victorians will only be allowed to leave their homes for four reasons: shopping for essentials, giving care, essential work and education and exercise with household members only.

Masks must also be worn everywhere.

More to come.

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