By now everybody must have enough food to last three or four days.
All supermarkets close for those four days, allowing them to bring in supplies and restock their shelves without the problem of items disappearing as they are placed.
When they reopen, the elderly shop for the first two hours and everybody else after that.
The supermarkets then operate a strict rationing programme for everybody, including the elderly.
Would this make a difference or would it be back to unorganised chaos after a few days?
Vulcan, I had an e-mail from Asda earlier today actually enforcing your idea about elderly/vulnerable being able to shop early. Every day until 9am, their big stores are just for those at risk, or helpers/carers.
Barsel, it's not every day, at least not yet. Tescos plan early shopping for the old and vulnerable on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; the young and healthy can duke it out all day on other days.