Covid app ‘pingdemic’ blamed for empty supermarket shelves
The IndependentGet the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A rise in numbers of food supply workers being forced to self-isolate is being blamed for empty supermarket shelves. No-show dough: pizza shelves are empty at Morrisons in Granton, Edinburgh Andrew Opie, of the British Retail Consortium, said: “The ongoing pingdemic is putting increasing pressure on retailers’ ability to maintain opening hours and keep shelves stocked. “With community cases soaring, the number of healthy retail staff having to self-isolate is rising fast, disrupting retail operations.” Cleaned out: hand sanitiser shelves almost empty at Morrisons at The Gyle, Edinburgh Even before the rise in pings, food industry chiefs were warning of empty shelves because a shortage of lorry drivers has also delayed supermarket deliveries.