Astonishing footage today showed dozens and dozens of shoppers queuing to get into a supermarket.

Just hours after shoppers were urged to be 'considerate' when buying at supermarkets, videos from Costco in Bushey showed queues of people with their trolleys that snaked alongside the supermarket and out onto the access road that leads into the car park.

Watford Observer:

Watford Observer:

The queues to get inside streched out onto the road into the car park

Watford Observer:

With the coronavirus outbreak spreading and the government announcing plans to isolate those aged 70 and above, it appears shoppers are keen to make sure they have enough goods if the situation does escalate.

One of the videos published on social media was reportedly taken 40 minutes before Costco even opened. 

It looks like there were around 200 people standing in the queue waiting for the doors to open.

A video taken later in the day shows the queue had got even longer.

Inside the store, one video has circulated of what looks like at least 40-pack toilet roll being sold rapidly.

"Only a few left" could be heard.

Another shopper wrote on Twitter that inside the store, a one-way system was operating and the staff were limiting customers to buying just one pack of toilet roll.

Shelves have emptied in other supermarkets too and stores are taking action to ensure only a certain number of an item, like pasta or baked beans, can be purchased.

Watford Observer:

A shelf which would usually be full of toilet rolls at Sainsbury's in St Albans last week

Overnight, it was revealed that the British Retail Consortium (BRC) members sent a joint letter to consumers urging everyone to work together to ensure there is enough food for the country.

Retailers are currently working "round the clock" to help customers get the items they need, the BRC said.

The letter aims to reassure customers, while calling on them to support each other during the crisis.

It said: "We know that many of you are worried about the spread of coronavirus (Covid-19).

"We want to let you know that we are doing everything we can so that you and your families have the food and essentials you need."

The letter added: "But we need your help too.

"We would ask everyone to be considerate in the way they shop.

"We understand your concerns, but buying more than is needed can sometimes mean that others will be left without.

"There is enough for everyone if we all work together.

"Together we can make sure we are looking out for family, friends, neighbours.

"Together we will care for those around us and those who are elderly, vulnerable or choosing to remain at home."

This morning, health secretary Matt Hancock confirmed asking people aged over 70 to self-isolate for up to four months is in a government action to tackle the Covid-19 outbreak, and to help protect them from the virus.

As of 9am yesterday (Saturday), 21 people in the UK who have contracted Covid-19 have died.

The goverment says they all had underlying health conditions.

More then 1,100 people in the UK have tested positive for Covid-19, but the government warned that "thousands" of people are already likely to have been infected.