Thousands of Barbadians hit the streets early Friday to do last-minute shopping and preparations for the stay-at-home weekend, declared by the Government two days ago.
From as early as 6 a.m., major supermarket chains’ queues started to wrap around buildings and snake on to streets.
Katrina Holder arrived at Popular Discount Kendal Hill around 6:15 a.m., only to find a long line ahead of her. “Persons would have had to break that 6 a.m. curfew and left home before for this line to be so long already,” she told Barbados TODAY.
“I live in Christ Church and I left home at exact 6 a.m. and look at this line already. When I get on the road, I see cars moving to get to places early. For people, it is all about getting food items and other necessary items in your home because you do not know what is going to happen with all that is going on. I came to do my end-of-month shopping one time because I really do not want to be coming back on the road.”
Barry Deane who was also at Popular Kendal Hill with his wife said the goal was to get in and out of the supermarket as quickly as possible.
“We just need to get a few things that we need so we wouldn’t have to return until the next few weeks or so,” Deane said.
The situation at Popular Spooner’s Hill was the same as shoppers stood patiently in the hot sun waiting on their turn to enter the supermarket. Shoppers there reported that though the wait was long, they knew management was doing its best to get everyone in and out efficiently and effectively while ensuring that COVID-19 protocols were followed.
At Massy Warrens, the line stretched from the entrance of the supermarket to the adjacent Dome Mall’s car park throughout the day. But shoppers at Massy also reported that the line was moving steadily.
There was also a steady flow at big box store PriceSmart on Lodge Hill throughout the day. Shoppers told Barbados TODAY that they chose to do business there because it would allow them to do bulk shopping for their families.
“I decided to come early because I really don’t like the sun and I just want to get my shopping over and done with. My wife is home with our young children so I had to come and do the shopping on my own today. I am maintaining my social distancing and as you can see I have my sanitiser,” a Price Smart shopper named David said.
Another shopper said they came to stock up as much as their pocket would allow them to because they strongly believe that there may be more stay-at-home days in the near future.
Carlton A1 Supermarket also had a long line when Barbados TODAY visited the Black Rock supermarket. (AH)
