Essential workers will be able to bypass supermarket queues after a joint effort by island supermarkets, it was announced yesterday.

The companies involved said that the measure was designed to “ensure that those on the front lines, looking after us all and keeping things running smoothly, get the support and supplies that they need”.

The proposal was backed by Arnold’s, Harrington Hundreds, The Lindo’s Group of Companies, MarketPlace, Miles Market and Supermart.

Zach Moniz, the manager of the Lindo’s Group, said that all the supermarkets had thrown their weight behind the plan.

He added: “Everybody saw the need for it.”

Mr Moniz said that the businesses would use a list of essential service workers drawn up by the Government.

The list featured police and reserve police, Bermuda Fire and Rescue personnel, Royal Bermuda Regiment soldiers, prison officers, frontline doctors and nurses, ambulance drivers and crew and any other Bermuda Hospitals Board medical personnel.

Security officers, dock workers and staff, and Department of Child and Family Services personnel were also included.

The group of store owners said that essential workers should identify themselves to store security staff on arrival and show a valid work ID or letter from their employer.

They added that essential staff would “be admitted to the store at the next available opportunity”.

They said: “We also recognise that we need to assist those most vulnerable, so those who are disabled may have priority entrance, if they provide a valid disabled person’s card.” They also asked customers to use social-distancing and to wash their hands often.

It added that only one shopper a household would be allowed into stores and that customers should only buy what they need for a week at a time.

The statement said: “Our stores will remain open, supplies will remain available for all — if we avoid hoarding and act responsibly.”

Mr Moniz said yesterday had been another busy one for his store.

He explained it was seniors day and that “all the seniors turn out, which is what you would expect.”

Mr Moniz said that 7am to 9am on Tuesdays and Fridays were set aside for the elderly.

He added: “The challenge comes when people show up during seniors hours who are not seniors.”

Mr Moniz said that non-senior shoppers had started to queue outside stores this morning before they opened at 7am.

He added: “When they get to the front and they realise it’s seniors hours only, they are frustrated.”

Mr Moniz said shopping had been difficult for everyone.

He added: “It’s tough on us, it’s tough on the customer, it’s tough on our vendors.”

However, Mr Moniz said: “We’re just trying to make the best of it.”