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The government has now released its list of clinically vulnerable people who qualify for support during the coronavirus crisis. Supermarket bosses will have received this list and will be in the process of contacting their vulnerable customers to offer them priority booking for online shopping services. If you're a vulnerable person or live with someone who is, you may be looking for advice on what to do next regards grocery shopping. We've rounded up information from five major supermarkets to help…

Sainsbury's

The latest information on Sainsbury's blog says: 'We are giving our customers who are vulnerable priority access to our online home delivery service. So far we’ve been able to identify and prioritise hundreds of thousands of vulnerable people across the UK.

'The government have identified and shared with us the customers who they consider the most vulnerable, and we’re in the process of contacting these customers to offer them priority access to home delivery slots. We are waiting for the databases for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and will contact vulnerable customers in those areas as soon as we are able.'

In terms of booking a slot, Asda's website says: 'During this busy time we'll only show slots for the next 7 days to allow us to prioritise our most vulnerable customers.' Next available delivery slots at Asda, Tesco, Sainsbury's and other major supermarkets. Some retailers are still prioritising delivery slots for students and the vulnerable.

The Asda website revealed the supermarket emailed vulnerable customers to offer first access to delivery slots. An Asda spokesperson added: 'We are also using our own volunteer card scheme to try. “My wife (63) and I can’t afford to bring the virus in the house. We’re both vulnerable. If one gets it, the other gets it. “I’ve got slots through to December 19, but the email says they won’t have slots from that day so that slot just disappears. “I have to go to another site or Asda to order food over the Christmas period. To book a slot, you need to go to tesco.com/groceriesand log in. Vulnerable customers can book a priority slot with an eight-hour window for delivery.

Sainsbury's has a number to call if you haven't received a vulnerable person letter

How do I book a Sainsbury's home delivery slot for a vulnerable person?

You need to follow instructions from the text message or letter you received to register as vulnerable on the government's website. If you didn't get contacted, you can register at gov.uk, and then contact your GP to request a letter. If you haven't been contacted by Sainsbury's already, then you should be soon.

There is a Sainsbury's phone number to call for the Careline should you need it. Understandably, Sainsbury's is currently experiencing high levels of demand for the service, but the number to call is 0800 328 1700 and is available Monday to Sunday 8am-11pm.

Tesco

Tesco's CEO Dave Lewis said: 'On Thursday, we were given an initial list of 110,000 clinically and socially isolated people by the Government. From these, we were able to match 75,000 existing customers and we’ve already contacted them to let them know we’re making home delivery slots immediately available to them. As we receive more data from Government, we’ll make even more slots available.'

Tesco has contacted its vulnerable customers

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How do I book a Tesco delivery slot for a vulnerable person?

To book a slot, you need to go to tesco.com/groceries and log in. Vulnerable customers can book a priority slot with an eight-hour window for delivery.

If you don't currently have an account with Tesco but have received a letter from the NHS because you're classified as clinically vulnerable, you can create an account on their website or call Tesco on 0800 917 7359. The store can then check if you are on the government's list.

Ocado

A representative for Ocado told HELLO!: 'We have received the government’s vulnerable shield list and have cross-referenced it with our customer database to help support those in need. We have already identified our customers on the vulnerable list and reached out to offer them delivery slots with ocado.com. We will continue to do our part as the government updates its shield list.'

You can reach Ocado on the 'Contact Us' section of their website

How do I book an Ocado delivery slot for a vulnerable person?

Follow the instructions you have received from Ocado's correspondence with you. If you haven't heard from the online supermarket, visit gov.uk to register onto the government’s list. Ocado also suggests getting in touch with them using their 'Contact Us' online form.

Asda

The Asda website says: 'We have been working closely with the DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) and some of our fellow supermarkets for the last couple of weeks to understand how to ensure essentials reach those with no support network.

'The data we’ve received from the UK Government has allowed us to email our customers to offer first access to delivery slots, ensuring they get what they need while they stay safe at home. We’re also working on similar programmes for customers in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.'

Asda priorities their most vulnerable customers

How do I book an Asda delivery slot for a vulnerable person?

A representative for Asda told HELLO!: 'People who’ve been identified on the government’s vulnerable person list will have received either an email or a letter and all the information they need is in there.'

In terms of booking a slot, Asda's website says: 'During this busy time we'll only show slots for the next 7 days to allow us to prioritise our most vulnerable customers.'

Morrisons

How do I book a Morrisons delivery slot for a vulnerable person?

Like other supermarkets, Morrison's vulnerable customers will have received communication from them about priority online booking. The store is adding a fast track queue system so its vulnerable customers can be prioritised.

Morrisons is launching a telephone ordering service

The chain has introduced other measures to help vulnerable customers too. On March 23, the store launched a new range of food boxes containing grocery and household essentials for home delivery. There are five variations of food box, with prices ranging from £30 to £45.

Morrisons is also launching a customer call centre for orders to be taken over the phone so that people who do not shop online can still order food. In the meantime, their online shopping customer number is 0345 322 0000.

Supermarkets will start using government data to identify at-risk individuals and provide them with the supplies during the coronavirus outbreak.

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Across the UK 1.5 million vulnerable people are isolating for 12 weeks in an attempt to slow the spread of Covid-19.

Retailers have been forced to adapt to ensure those unable to leave the house can get the provisions they need.

It has not yet been made clear what criteria will be in place to ensure that supplies get to the right people, but supermarkets have said they will start contacting them from the start of next week.

Supermarket Sainsbury's has confirmed it is working with Government data to prioritise delivery slots for those most at risk.

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While Asda said it has a 'dedicated team' working with the Government and 'fellow supermarkets to ensure those people who have been identified as highly vulnerable get what they need'.

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Asda has also introduced contactless drop-offs for home delivery customers.

Tesco has limited its online shoppers to a maximum of 80 items per order in a bid to 'get more orders on to each van'.

While Waitrose says it will start 'to proactively offer its elderly and vulnerable customers priority access' to online delivery bookings from next week.

Elsewhere, Richard Walker - managing director of Iceland - said the company had 'done their best' to restrict online delivery orders to the most vulnerable, but admitted new slots are being 'quickly snapped up'.

Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Mr Walker urged healthy people to go against the Government's advice and visit shops in person to free up delivery slots because 'current demand vastly exceeds supply'.

Tesco issued a similar call, in a statement a spokesman for the supermarket said: 'We ask those who are able to safely come to stores to do so, instead of shopping online, so that we can start to free up more slots for the more vulnerable'.

Iceland boss Mr Walker said: 'I'd actually urge the opposite of the PM, in that, if you are healthy, not in a vulnerable category and adhere to social distancing guidelines, please do shop in store.

The Iceland boss added: 'That will enhance priority online for those who need it most.'

A number of retailers have seen similar unprecedented demand for online delivery shopping. On Friday morning, customers faced a 20 minute wait to access the Morrisons online shopping service.

The website queuing system showed 24,256 people were waiting to access the site.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) confirmed it is 'working with the retailers to get them the information they need'.

Defra said by combining Government and supermarket data, it could 'ensure essential items are delivered as soon as possible to the people with medical conditions that make them most vulnerable'.

Asda Delivery Slots For Vulnerable People

Alongside the measures taken by retailers, Defra said it had advised local authorities 'to allow extended delivery hours to supermarkets' so shelves can be restocked more quickly.

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