Tuesday, 11 August 2020

Following the announcement by the Prime Minister this evening that there is a case of community transmission in South Auckland, and the requirement for the greater Auckland area to re-enter Alert Level 3 from midday tomorrow, Foodstuffs will be reactivating overnight the social distancing and health and safety protocols across our stores and supply chain.

Customers visiting all 66 stores across the wider Auckland area can expect to see the following Customer and Team safety measures in place:

• 2 metre social distancing
• Restricted customer numbers in-store
• One customer, one trolley
• No bag packers at check out
• No reusable bags to be bought into store
• Increased sanitisation, hygiene and cleaning protocols throughout the supermarket including, on entry, at checkout and other high touch areas
• Social distancing signage and posters advising of customer requirements 

In recognition of the fact the rest of New Zealand is now in Alert Level 2, customers outside of Auckland can expect to also see increased sanitisation and safety measures when they visit their local supermarket. These measures will be in place, initially from midday Wednesday12 August until midnight Friday 14 August - but this may be extended depending on the advice received from Government over the coming days.

While we truly hoped it wouldn’t happen, as a business we just had to plan that another outbreak could occur, and the teams have been prepared for some time should we need to reinstate previous Alert Level protocols. Foodstuffs has good stocks of PPE and hand sanitiser, and our teams are familiar with what is required to keep both themselves and our customers safe from COVID-19.

We would like to reassure customers that, just like before, our supply chain is robust. We are working hard to make sure all the grocery items New Zealand households might need are on the shelf and readily available.

We ask that shoppers #shopnormal – this is the best way to ensure no pressure is put on the supply chain. Just buy what you need, as you need it. Our teams have got your back New Zealand – help us by being kind to one another, we know how to do this. Keep your distance, sanitise and use good hand washing techniques and most of all remember your safety comes first for us.