Panic Hits UK as Supermarket Shelves Go Bare

Britain's supermarkets are struggling to ensure adequate food supply after reports of panic hoarding due to what the British press calls "ping-demic" - a reference to being "pinged" by the NHS test-and-trace system. We noted on Monday that ping-demic was likely to "lead to food shortages," and that is precisely what is happening today.  The Independent reports UK's largest supermarkets are experiencing shortages after the number of people getting "pinged" on the NHS Test and triggered mass confusion.  The NHS app sent a half-million alerts last week, notifying users they have to quarantine for ten days because of possible close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19.  This has caused a supply chain shock and disruptions as hundreds of thousands of people panic buy food and fuel to survive the quarantine.  British newspapers and social media users published pictures of empty supermarket shelves.  In the U.S. military officers are allegedly being warned to get stocked up on food and water to be prepared for what is coming.