Supermarket delivery rules in Wales relaxed to cope with coronavirus demand

Delivery hours for supermarkets and other food retailers have been extended to respond to demand amid the coronavirus outbreak, the Welsh Government has confirmed.

The measures relax planning conditions restricting night-time and early morning deliveries, allowing retailers to accept deliveries throughout the day and night.

The Welsh Government said it has told local councils to temporarily relax the enforcement of the rules to "provide the food industry with greater flexibility."

"Given the exceptional challenges facing Wales and the United Kingdom as a whole from COVID-19, it is vital deliveries of food, sanitary and other essential products over the coming weeks can be made as quickly and safely as possible, minimising disruption to the supply chains on which communities depend", Local Government Minister, Julie James AM said.

“The measures I am announcing today will help ensure stores can remain open to serve the local community.

“We are working closely with the UK Government and food industry representatives to ensure supermarkets and other food retailers are able to respond to the outbreak as best as they can.”

There have been 38 confirmed cases of the virus in Wales as of 13 March Credit: PA Images

Sara Jones, Head of the Welsh Retail Consortium, said, “Retail supply chains remain robust, however our grocery and pharmacy members in particular are dealing with very high demand for certain products and want to take every step possible to ensure the good stock levels in depots and the supply chain are delivered and on shop shelves at the earliest opportunity.

"These measures will contribute to ensuring everything possible is done to keep the shelves stocked."

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