When QE Food Stores’ 12-person warehouse team was hit by COVID-19 and isolation requirements last week, senior group executives and former market packers mobilized, guarding the shelves full of fruits and vegetables during the weekend.

But while the grocery chain has had “a massive week” of trading, its small suppliers are under pressure and cannot scale up production quickly enough to meet demand, Singh said.

Coles said persistent shortages of pallets – which are used to transport groceries – along with isolation requirements make it difficult to get goods off the shelves.

“At a time when inventory levels were already low after Christmas, our fulfillment centers receive fewer inbound deliveries and we have fewer team members available to process and ship inventory to our stores,” said a carrier. word.

“Meanwhile, demand is high as customers choose to eat more meals at home to reduce their exposure to the rest of the community. Coles is restricting purchases of ground meat, chicken and sausages.

The supermarket chain said it welcomes steps taken by the state governments of Victoria, NSW and Queensland to exempt essential workers in the food production and logistics sectors from isolation requirements if they are close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19.

The Toll trucking group declined to comment on the number of its truck drivers or other workers who have been forced to self-isolate due to COVID-19 outbreaks, but said the proposed rule changes isolation from close contacts “will help alleviate current pressures on staff and the supply chain.” Rival trucking operator Linfox declined to comment.

The Transport Workers Union supports maintaining the 7-day isolation requirements for close contact in addition to regular rapid tests – which are difficult to obtain in Australia – arguing that it is “unwise” for governments to repeal the rules isolation.

The constant delays in moving goods to and from ports around the world and high shipping costs are also contributing to the supply chain crisis.

China’s policy to eliminate COVID-19 affects major ports like Ningbo, south of Shanghai, according to research from Freightos, which monitors global freight rates.

“Area closures and restrictions to contain the spread in the [Ningbo] The region is restricting truck access to the port, with reports also of warehouse closures, ”Freightos said last week.

The Container Transport Alliance Australia, which represents logistics companies including importers and exporters, said headcount was down 20% in some member organizations due to COVID-19 infections and isolation requirements.

Airports have also been affected by COVID-19. Sydney Airport said some of its employees had to self-isolate over Christmas time.

“We have implemented changes in our teams and in testing protocols to ensure that we are able to keep the airport open and operate it safely for our people and the traveling public,” said a spokeswoman.