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During the state of coronavirus emergency declared by the Spanish government nine days ago shops selling food are allowed to remain open to the public, but as the virus continues to spread throughout the country a quick trip to the supermarket is no longer the relaxing outing which it usually is in “normal” conditions.
All shops and food supermarket chains in the Region of Murcia have been obliged by an order from the regional government to shorten their opening hours, and now that the initial wave of panic buying is mostly over various measure are being introduced to ensure that the conditions inside stores are made as safe as possible.
Fortunately, stocks of food are coming through regularly and shoppers are not experiencing shortage situations as the panic buying recedes.
From Sunday 22nd onwards, all shops must close by 20:00, and it is recommended that they do so by 19:00. The instructions are a little ambiguous, and it is likely that the regional government will oblige all premises to close by 19:00 fairly shortly, so be aware that this may change
The restrictions introduced mean that visits to the supermarket can take longer and, to be honest, can be rather unnerving, with protective gloves and facemasks being worn not only by staff but also by a large number of customers. However, it is essential that the safety measures in place are respected at all times: the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in Spain is currently approximately 33,000 and certain to rise a good deal higher over the next few days, while the death toll stood at over 1,800 on Sunday evening.
These figures cannot be taken lightly, and while supermarkets continue to make shopping as safe an experience as possible it is absolutely vital that shoppers collaborate in order to make them effective.
In addition to the revised opening hours and restrictions announced by each supermarket chain below, on 21st March the regional government of Murcia issued a ban on Sunday opening. For much of the Region this will make Little difference, but on the coast and in other major tourist areas, where Sunday opening is usually permitted, shoppers will have to get used to making sure they are not running low on essential supplies on Saturdays.
At the same time, though, petrol stations, pharmacies, bakeries, street kiosks and pre-cooked food establishments will still be allowed to open on Sundays until 20.00, always obeying the emergency regulations issued by the national government.
Below are some basic guidelines for the major supermarket chains and their opening hours:
Mercadona – All supermarkets belonging to the Mercadona chain are opening from 9.00 to 19.00, and priority among shoppers queuing outside is being given to the elderly, those of limited mobility, pregnant women and, if appropriate, those accompanying them.
The chain is endeavouring to guarantee a distance of at least 1 metre between customers, and all staff are equipped with facemasks and gloves. Disinfectant gel is available for shoppers to clean the handles of trolleys and baskets.
As of Monday 23rd March Mercadona has issued an update containing the following information, and with the supermarkets reacting progressively to the emergency it has to be expected that other chains will also continue to tighten up rules in their own stores:
Shoppers must enter the stores alone.
The elderly and the chronically ill should avoid doing their own shopping if at all possible.
Customers are urged to select their purchases as quickly as possible.
Remember that the supply lines are guaranteed: there is no need to panic buy.
Pay by debit or credit card if possible, rather than in cash.
Use the protective gloves which are made available in the store.
The return of products is not possible for the duration of the emergency.
Screens are installed between cashiers and shoppers.
The use of the protective gloves supplied is obligatory.
Carrefour – the opening hours have been shortened and now run from 9.00 to 20.00, while restrictions are in place on the number of people allowed in stores at any one time. All staff are equipped with facemasks and gloves and screens have been installed between cashiers and shoppers.
Dia – opening hours are now 10.00 to 20.00 at all supermarkets and protective gloves are obligatory.
Lidl – revised opening hours end at 20.00 rather than 21.00 and no more than 50 shoppers are allowed in stores at any one time. Only one person per household is allowed inside the stores.
Consum – Opening hours are now 10.00 to 20.00 and measures are in place to guarantee a distance of at least 1 metre between customers, with markings on the floor reminding those queuing to pay of the restrictions.
In order to deter panic buying no customer may purchase more than six of any one product.
Aldi – Opening hours are now 9.00 to 20.00 and no more than 50 shoppers are allowed in stores at any one time. Only one person per household is allowed inside the stores.
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