Vulnerable Western Australians, particularly pensioners, the elderly and people with disabilities, will be able to visit their local Coles and Woolworths stores an hour early from tomorrow, with an extended trading permit to be granted by the Commissioner for Consumer Protection this afternoon.
The temporary extension of trading hours is one of the measures included in the McGowan Government’s pandemic plan released last week in response to the COVID-19 virus.
Coles and Woolworths will be able to open from 7am to 8am from Monday to Saturday and from 10am to 11am on Sunday, starting tomorrow for a period of one month. The management of this new arrangement will sit with Coles and Woolworths.
Other retailers who lodge applications with the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety for extending trading hours to help support the elderly and disabled during the pandemic will also be considered.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
“These types of measures are included in our pandemic plan, to ensure everyone has the opportunity to shop accordingly.
“We support the initiative from the major companies to support the elderly and disabled. It makes sense.
“I urge all Western Australians to be mindful of those most vulnerable in our community, I understand everyone’s concerns about COVID-19, but please be respectful.
“We’ve seen panic-buying strip supermarket shelves bare of various items and I stress that this is not a necessary response to the situation we are dealing with.”
As stated by Commerce Minister, John Quigley:
“As the COVID-19 coronavirus situation continues to evolve before our eyes, so does our response to this pandemic on a daily basis.
“We know that these are very challenging times, particularly for our most vulnerable citizens.
“Measures such as this will hopefully give our pensioners and people with disabilities peace of mind, knowing they can do their shopping and purchase essential items in a less stressful environment.”
