As Lockdown Nears, WA Officials Caution Against Hoarding Supplies

OLYMPIA, WA — As the state prepares to implement new restrictions on grocery stores, restaurants and other businesses until mid-December, state leaders are pleading with Washingtonians to avoid stockpiling supplies.

"Nobody is talking about closing grocery stores," the Washington Emergency Management Department wrote on Twitter Saturday. "Supply chains will remain healthy if we all buy only what we need. Please respect grocery store limitations on supplies and plan ahead."

On Sunday, Gov. Jay Inslee announced a series of new limitations for indoor spaces to combat a rapidly accelerating surge in coronavirus cases. The governor's order includes a 25 percent capacity cap for all retail and grocery stores and rolls back indoor service at bars and restaurants. Most of the rules will take effect at 11:59 p.m. Monday, while requirements for bars and restaurants begin Wednesday at 12:01 a.m.

Inslee cautioned against hoarding supplies in the news conference and later repeated his plea on social media.

Shortly after the governor's announcement, local reporters shared images of long lines and empty shelves at some stores around Seattle.

Officials are hoping to avoid a repeat of the scenes in mid-March, when grocers were cleaned out of essential items like toiler paper in the days leading up to the governor's "Stay Home, Stay Healthy" order, prompting retailers impose strict limits for several weeks.