Coronavirus: Wigan supermarket's warning to shoppers

The notice has been put up at the Tesco Extra store, in Central Park Way, and comes amid fears over the coronavirus.

It has seen people panic-buying in supermarkets across the UK, forcing Tesco bosses to limit shoppers to buying no more than two of certain goods, including anti-bacterial gels, wipes and sprays, dry pasta, UHT milk and some tinned vegetables.

Other supermarkets have put similar measures into place.

The notice reads: “Please treat our in-store colleagues with respect.

“We’ll report any verbal or physical abuse of our colleagues.”

The supermarket, which usually opens all day, has also reduced its opening times during the week by six hours.

It is currently open from 6am to midnight on Monday to Saturday with Sunday opening times remaining the same.

However, Tesco chiefs would not be drawn on whether the notice or change in opening hours were linked to the coronavirus when asked by the Wigan Post.

The notice has appeared at the store after UK retailers put out a joint letter reminding customers to be considerate in their shopping, so that others are not leftwithout much-needed items.

The letter reads: “We would ask everyone to be considerate in the way they shop.

“We understand your concerns but buying more than is needed can sometimes mean that others will be left without.

“There is enough for everyone if we all work together.”