March 12 2019

Foster’s
reassures customers that panic-buying is not necessary.

Since
the rapid spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) and the classification of
the virus as a pandemic by the World Health Organization,
panic-buying has ensued, globally. While no cases of COVID-19 have
been confirmed in the Cayman Islands to date, people have been
stocking up on disinfectant items in an effort to keep their families
safe.

Recently,
photos and video have been spread on social media of empty shelves at
our Foster’s Supermarket and Priced Right locations. While we may
be temporarily out of stock on certain high-demand items, we are
working with our suppliers to bump-up orders and purchase what is
available while searching for new sources and product alternatives
where needed. “Our purchasing team is working to increase orders on
high-demand products and get them on island as quickly as possible”
says Marketing Senior Manager Julian Foster. “We are, however,
experiencing some temporary shortages on health and sanitation
products like face masks, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes and
sprays, and isopropyl alcohol, among other products, which are in
high demand around the world. During these unprecedented times,
manufacturers and suppliers are working to ramp up production and
ordering to ensure product is available.”

Because
of this, product limits have been placed on disinfecting products,
bleach and vinegar. The limits, ranging from 1-4 products per person,
per SKU, are clearly marked on store shelves. The full list of
products can be found on our website -
https://fosters.ky/cov-product-limit/.
Updates to the product list will be made on this site should changes
occur and the information will be shared on social media.

Customers
are encouraged to take steps to practice infection control measures
by:

• 
  Frequently washing hands
  for a minimum of 20 seconds with warm water and soap
  
  
• 
  Covering nose and mouth
  when coughing or sneezing
  
  
• 
  Avoiding close contact
  with people suffering from acute respiratory infections
  
  
• 
  Staying well-hydrated
  throughout the day (as a reminder, Cayman’s tap water is 100% safe
  to drink)
  
  

“We
are fully stocked on food items and have been assured that our
suppliers, both locally and overseas, have product on hand to ship”
says Managing Director, Woody Foster. “Our warehouse is fully
stocked, and while we may still see temporary out of stocks on
products, we’ve increased orders where we need to on critical,
shelf stable products”. While the uncertainty around COVID-19
remains, customers can rest assured that both Foster’s Supermarkets
and Priced Right locations are taking action to keep shelves stocked
and stores clean for customers.

Foster’s
is committed to providing the best service possible, and is in
regular contact with local police, port and government authorities as
we all work through this dynamic and unique period. We ask that the
community remain calm, think rationally and use proper hygiene
practices throughout the day.

Customers
with questions on product availability can speak to team members in
store, email info@fosters.ky, or
contact us on Foster’s’ and Priced Right’s social media
channels (@fosterscayman & @pricedrightcayman).

END