There is plenty of food and the supply chain is solid, the manager of a leading island retailer has insisted.

Appearing before a government press briefing on Friday, Co-op area manager Andy Corrie said there really was no need to panic buy.

He said measures to allow shoppers to buy for more than one household such as a self-isolating neighbour was ’high on the agenda’

Mr Corrie thanked all food retail colleagues for working hard to keep the island fed.

’You are doing a fantastic job and it is very much appreciated,’ he said. ’These colleagues are like family to me and their safety is my number one priority.’

He said all food suppliers were working together, and with government, to keep the island fed.

Mr Corrie thanked Manx businesses who he said are doing a sterling job in keeping supply lines open.

He said: ’At the moment, fresh foods are being prioritised and ambient supplies will see recovery over the next week or so and you will slowly see item restrictions being removed in stores as the situation improves.’

Giving some simple messages to the Manx public, he said: ’There is no need to panic buy, buy only what you need, respect store colleagues and also respect the social distancing measures we have put in place - they are there for your protection and the protection of our colleagues.’

He advised people to shop for elderly and vulnerable neighbours so they don’t have to.

’Don’t forget to keep using small Manx businesses as well so that they are still there for you when this is over,’ he added. ’Finally think what you can all do to help, volunteer to help wherever you can.’

He said abuse of shop staff will not be tolerated.

Mr Corrie said the primary reason for shortages of certain items was that people had bought far more than they need or could reasonably use.

’I would suggest now is the time for people to start using some of this additional supply they have built up,’ he added.

Toilet rolls are now staying on the shelves a little longer after delivery, he said.

’There is probably enough toilet roll to wipe the island’s bottom for the next six months! People have realised this and they are not desperate to go out and buy more,’ said the Co-op boss.

There is, however, a global shortage of hand sanitisers and supplies are being prioritised for healthcare services, he said.