Seniors hour at supermarkets
Nelson organisations are calling on supermarkets to implement an exclusive shopping hour for seniors in response to panic buying driven by coronavirus fears.
Age Concern, Nelson Grey Power and Nelson MP Nick Smith have asked supermarkets to implement a seniors shopping hour, as has been adopted overseas.
‘‘We’ve had contact with a number of older people who are self-isolating and are distressed about getting access to essential supplies,’’ Smith said.
Between 10am and 11am each day was suggested as a dedicated shopping hour for those aged 65 and over. In Nelson, 20 per cent of the population is in that age group.
In one case, Smith had heard from someone who went to a supermarket in Richmond and was ‘‘gobsmacked’’ by the sight of empty shelves.
An elderly lady in tears was upset about having to return to the supermarket for essential supplies, as she had been trying to minimise her contact with others.
Countdown’s Australian counterpart, Woolworths, is giving elderly and vulnerable customers an exclusive shopping hour.
Despite Kiwi customers asking for the same exclusive shopping hour, Countdown said last Wednesday it did not see a need for a dedicated shopping hour yet.
Smith said the organisations met with officials from Nelson Marlborough Health, Nelson City and Tasman District councils, Nelson Tasman Civil Defence along with retirement villages and rest homes on Friday over how to best support seniors during the Covid-19 outbreak.
They also discussed getting information to those who weren’t connected to the internet, through local newspapers, addressing concerns over home-based care services and trying to ensure over 65s received the flu vaccination as quickly as possible.
‘‘We know from international experience that older people are much more vulnerable to Covid19 than others and this is a practical way that they can still get out and get the goods they need,’’ said Age Concern;s Caroline Budge.
Nelson Grey Power president Christine Tuffnell said: ‘‘Nelson has a huge seniors population who are feeling very vulnerable. This measure has been applied in Europe, the US and Australia and will help seniors feel secure and safe.’’
Smith said any older person who needed help to go shopping could contact his office on 03 547 2314, as several volunteers were offering to provide assistance.