Early morning shopping hours at the supermarkets just got extended to healthcare and emergency services workers.

Starting tomorrow, Coles will begin a shopping hour from 7-8am on Tuesdays and Thursdays for people deemed essential to protecting the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This includes doctors, nurses, paramedics, hospital and ambulance staff, police, firefighters and emergency service workers who hold an AHPRA card, have a workplace ID or are wearing their work uniform. Coles have also said these arrangements will be reviewed as necessary.

Monday, Wednesday and Friday Coles’ community hours are for vulnerable and elderly customers who hold a government-issued Pensioner Concession Card, Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, Companion Card, Seniors Card, Disability Card and Health Care Card. Coles is open 7am to 8pm every day.

Woolworths also has a dedicated shopping hour for the elderly and people with disability from 7am to 8am from Tuesday to Friday.

Aldi stores have new trading hours of 9.30am-7pm, which will be re-evaluated on a weekly basis.

Social distancing is under way in all stores, with markers placed on the floors to keep customers 1.5 metres apart.