Koroit Daly's IGA announces 'locals-only' policy

Koroit Daly's IGA announced on Thursday the store would be open only to "locals and immediate surrounding communities who would regularly shop in our store".

"As a local community supermarket, as always we're here to support our local communities. At present, under the current unprecedented demanding circumstances, we're restricting access to our stores to our locals and immediate surrounding communities who would regularly shop in our store," a statement read.

"You may be asked for ID at the door or checkout to verify your postcode. You may also show your existing Daly's IGA rewards card for entry.

"Please be assured our team are working incredibly hard to replenish our shelves for you as quickly as possible. We thank you for your patience at this time."

It comes after rumours of out-of-towners buying out local supplies amid coronavirus fears.

IGA director Peter Daly said he was "tired of strangers coming in an taking as much as they could".

"We had non-locals coming in car loads and despite having limits on certain items, they were taking as much as they could and there were incidents were our staff was getting abused," he said.

"We have a lot of really good customers, including fourth-generation customers, and we're not going to see them put up with that."

Mr Daly said access would be limited to locals but "within reason".

"If someone is legitimately visiting their uncle so-and-so, then that is OK, but when they've got no connection whatsoever, that's a bit different," he said.

"Fortunately it has settled down a bit but I think this is more about putting out a strong message that shows we want to do the best thing by our loyal customers."

South West Healthcare's infectious diseases expert Dr Mark Page said food and supplies "hoarding" was unnecessary.

"I think there's a misunderstanding between the terms 'quarantine' and lockdown'," he told The Standard.

"People who come back from overseas are quarantined and asked not to leave their house at all, apart from their own garden or balcony, etc.

"Even in countries such as Italy, the 'lockdown' people are still allowed out for shopping. The grocery shops are the only ones that are open, so whist you're asked to stay in for most of the time, and while most public areas and leisure shops and restaurants are shut (in Italy), you can still go out and shop.

"We anticipate that it wouldn't be any different in Australia. Hoarding now is helping the supermarkets but if and when the lockdown comes, we fully anticipate that grocery shopping will still be allowed."

Member for Polwarth Richard Riordan called on Premier Daniel Andrews to use his state of emergency powers to help stabilise the food supply industry.

"Many low income and elderly rural Victorians are being left with empty shops and empty pantries, unable to stock pile or buy extra to help them through this time," he said.

"We do not have a food shortage, but we do have excess demand and supply limitations. The food supply and distribution system needs time to catch up, in order to get food back on the shelves."

Mr Polwarth said the "covid-19 crisis may run for months, and we need this issue resolved".

"Many rural communities only have one or maybe two supermarkets, and once supply has gone, it's gone," he said.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison disavowed those panic buying, saying "it's ridiculous, it's un-Australian, and it must stop".

"On bulk purchasing of supplies. Stop hoarding. I can't be more blunt about it. Stop it. It is not sensible, it is not helpful and it has been one of the most disappointing things I have seen in Australian behaviour in response to this crisis," he said.

"That is not who we are as a people. It is not necessary. It is not something that people should be doing."

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