Coronavirus: supermarkets start rationing to combat panic buying

Stockpiling has led to empty shelves at some UK supermarkets - but shortages may be short-lived

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(Image credit: (Justin Tallis/AFP via Getty Images)

Tesco has begun restricting sales of essential food and household items amid growing reports of stockpiling and panic buying because of the coronavirus outbreak.

Customers will be limited to buying no more than five of certain products, including antibacterial gels, dry pasta, long-life milk and some tinned vegetables.

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