Even before NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced that Greater Sydney, the Blue Mountains, the Central Coast and Wollongong will go into a 14-day lockdown, she stressed for people not to panic buy.
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But the early signs show people aren't listening, with Wollongong shoppers heading out in droves to pick up essential items.
This is happening despite Ms Berejiklian stating that all supermarkets would remain open during the lockdown and there was no curfew stopping people from going out to buy essential items such as groceries.
One shopper in Dapto said lines at the Coles supermarket stretched all the way down to the freezer section.
"I've been here 15 minutes and we've probably only moved a couple of metres. This is ridiculous."
There was no sign of panic buying in Shellharbour but that may change now that the city has also been included in the two-week lockdown, starting at 6pm Saturday.
The city had originally not been named but the government has since included Shellharbour in the lockdown following advice to do so from local members.
Member for Keira Ryan Park said there was no need to panic buy at local grocery stores.
"This only leads to more stress especially for disadvantaged and vulnerable members of our community who are not in a position to access the shops every day," Mr Park said.
"The announcement today from the Premier that Wollongong will go in to a two week lockdown is one that I know many in the community will find challenging but our health experts have made it clear that this is to keep our community safe as we face another real threat from this virus.
"I ask the community to please follow the rules, keep checking the NSW Health website and make sure you are only leaving your home for those four specific reasons:
- Shopping for food or other essential goods and services
- Medical care or compassionate needs
- Exercise outdoors in groups of 10 or fewer
- Essential wok or education where you cannot work or study from home.
"I will continue to keep the community informed about these restrictions and to ensure the Government is aware of the need to provide financial assistance and support to those small businesses owners and local residents who will face financial challenges as a result of this lockdown.
"This decision will no doubt cause considerable anxiety in the community and I ask that people contact vulnerable family members and local residents in their own neighbourhood to make sure they are ok and are aware of these changes."
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Agron Latifi
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
