Supermarket giant Woolworths has announced it will close stores early nationwide to restock shelves stripped bare by coronavirus panic.

Stores will shut nationally at 8pm on Wednesday and reopen at 7am Thursday in a bid to allow staff to replenish stocks.

The announcement comes after Woolworths introduced special shopping hours exclusive to those most vulnerable, including the elderly and people with disabilities.

Starting on Tuesday, stores across the country will be open from 7am exclusively for the elderly and vulnerable to do their shopping before opening to everyone else at 8am.

The new hours will run until at least Friday.

Those needing to go in early will need a relevant concession card.

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“We continue to encourage all Australians to be mindful of those in our communities who might need extra help at this time,” Woolworths Supermarkets Managing Director Claire Peters said.

“Now - more than ever - we need to be kind to each other, especially to those most vulnerable.”

In the video below: Fight erupts in Woolworths in coronavirus chaos