While shoppers were generally calm, there were some morning dramas as stocks of items including toilet paper and tissues once again ran low.

Woolworths customers were particularly hit with some delays reported in the deliveries arriving.

They were also hit at Wendouree with - of all things - car park resurfacing meaning trucks could not deliver.

Woolworths posted a note on the front of its store saying "Due to car park resurfacing, we are unable to receive deliveries which includes toilet paper, meat, rice, flower, pasta, sugar, longlife milk. We apologise for the inconvenience."

However, those The Courier spoke to at Coles were full of praise for the retailers who made life easier for them.

Sylvia Kermond from Ballarat East said everything had been smooth for customers.

"The staff were good, the people were good, everyone has been terrific this morning," she said.

"I guess at this time of day there are a lot of elderly people and they seem to have manners.

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"There was probably about 50-70 people in the store, but it's nice to be able to go in and not have people knocking elderly over.

"At least this gives us a bit of a chance to get some things, I couldn't get tissues, but at least now I've got some toilet rolls."

Rachael Marchant also from Ballarat East said she had been to the Eastwood Street supermarkets early in the morning, which had seen some large crowds.

"It's funny you go into Woolworths and the shelves are clear, but you go into Coles and they've got toilet paper," she said.

"I've got a mum who doesn't have a car, so she had no way of getting into here at 7am, so she's at home. I've been lucky enough to come in and grab some toilet rolls for her."

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Canadian's Rebecca Stainer was one of those waiting outside for the 8am general public entrance.

"I'm happy they are letting these people go in first and I'm happy to wait," she said.

"It's only me and my partner, but my nan is struggling a bit, but I'm sure she's been here already this morning."

Ms Stainer said she had few concerns about her own health, but was concerned for others more vulnerable.

"If we get it, we get it, and we get isolated," she said. "Fortunately I didn't really have anything booked and I'm going camping over Easter, so I'll be away from everyone.

"It's not affecting me too much, but I know a lot of the older people in my life are not going out and it's affecting them much more."

When Coles opened to the public, many of the shelves had been stripped. Toilet paper was empty, while nappies, boxed meals, crackers and biscuits and noodles were among the items that were either gone, or had low stocks.

The fruit and vegetable department had about 60 per cent stock, however items such as as bananas and apples were plentiful.

The Courier witnessed only one person complaining about low stock, protesting as to why there were not more deliveries.

Store management said they were very happy with the way crowds had conducted themselves and thanked the public for their patience.

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