The boss of Aldi has issued a personal plea to customers not to panic-buy amid the coronavirus outbreak - stressing 'there is enough for everyone'.

In a letter published on the supermarket chain's social media pages on Monday, he said: "As you will be aware, all supermarkets have been working very hard to keep up with demand over the last few days.

"I am writing to reassure you, and all our other valued customers, that our colleagues and trusted suppliers are working round the clock to keep our warehouses fully stocked.

"We have increased orders from our suppliers and our warehouses have sufficient stock to replenish all stores.

"This includes all of the essentials such as sanitary and baby products. 

"Our amazing colleagues have been working tirelessly to restock our stores.

"However, unprecedented demand for certain products has made it difficult for us to ensure that there are no gaps on shelves.

"All of our stores receive daily deliveries, often multiple times a day.

"So if a certain product is not available when you visit, it will be replenished in the overwhelming majority of cases by the following day.

"We have taken action to discourage people buying more than they need.

"Customers are currently limited to buying four items of any one product during each visit.

"This is still significantly more than most customers would buy in a normal shopping trip and we hope this temporary restriction will give as many customers as possible the opportunity to get what they need, every time they visit.

"I’m sure, like me, you are also concerned about those who are vulnerable at this time.

"Not everyone has the financial or practical resources to buy in bulk, including our elderly customers.

"We all have a responsibility to ensure we only buy what we and our families need. If we shop as we normally do, our stores will quickly return to normal.

"Finally, my sincere thanks to you for your continued support and to every single one of our colleagues.

"It’s the people at Aldi that make our business special and they have come together like never before to serve you, our customers, during this extremely busy time."

Coronavirus: the facts

What is coronavirus?

  • COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that can affect lungs and airways. It is caused by a virus called coronavirus.

What caused coronavirus?

  • The outbreak started in Wuhan in China in December 2019 and it is thought that the virus, like others of its kind, has come from animals.

How is it spread?

  • As this is such a new illness, experts still aren’t sure how it is spread. But.similar viruses are spread in cough droplets. Therefore covering your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing, and disposing of used tissues straight away is advised. Viruses like coronavirus cannot live outside the body for very long.

What are the symptoms?

  • The NHS states that the symptoms are: a dry cough, high temperature and shortness of breath - but these symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the illness. Look out for flu-like symptoms, such as aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose and a sore throat. It’s important to remember that some people may become infected but won’t develop any symptoms or feel unwell.

What precautions can be taken?

  • Washing your hands with soap and water thoroughly. The NHS also advises to cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze; put used tissues in the bin immediately and try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell. Also avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth unless your hands are clean.

What is the Government saying?

  • As of March 12, the Government has moved into the "delay" phase of its plan to tackle coronavirus. Advice is that anyone with a continuous cough or high temperature should self-isolate for seven days. People over 70 have been advised not to go on cruises and schools advised to cancel trips abroad, though schools remain open.

Should I avoid public places?

  • Most people who feel well can continue to go to work, school and public places and should only stay at home and self isolate if advised by a medical professional or the coronavirus service.

What should I do if I feel unwell?

  • Don’t go to your GP but instead call NHS 111 or look online at the coronavirus service that can tell you if you need medical help and what to do next.

When to call NHS 111

  • NHS 111 should be used if you feel unwell with coronavirus symptoms, have been in a country with a high risk of coronavirus in the last 14 days or if you have been in close contact with someone with the virus.