UK-based food retailers have come forward to reassure their customers regarding rising coronavirus (Covid-19) fears around the world and have urged them to buy responsibly.

In a joint letter, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons, Aldi, Lidl, Coop, Waitrose, M&S, Iceland, Ocado and Costcutter urged their customers to be considerate in the way they shop.

The British Retail Consortium (BRC), which represents supermarket groups, quoted the retailers as stating in the letter: “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.”

The letter also noted that the retailers are working closely with the government and the suppliers to make more deliveries and to ensure the shelves are stocked up at shops.

Reuters quoted the UK’s Health Secretary Matt Hancock as saying that the government was confident that food supplies were secure, but everybody had to act responsibly as part of a national effort.

BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson said: “Retailers are working incredibly hard to keep shops well-stocked and deliveries running as smoothly as possible.

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“In the face of unprecedented demand as a result of coronavirus, food retailers have come together to ask their customers to support each other to make sure everyone can get access to the products they need.”

British supermarkets reportedly witnessed intense trading in the last few days. Some shop owners said that it can only be compared with the pre-Christmas rush.

Meanwhile, the UK is witnessing an increase in the number of coronavirus cases. The government is planning extreme measures, including home quarantining elder citizens, to restrict the spread of the disease.