Shelves were stripped bare of high-demand items - toilet paper, hand sanitiser and staples like mince, bread and pasta. So extreme was the behaviour of shoppers at one point, Prime Minister Scott Morrison declared it "un-Australian".

None bore the brunt of this extraordinary time more than those at the retail front line - supermarket staff in every store across Australia.

Woolworths Belconnen, ACT, bakery manager Rachel Read says in her seven years of retail she had "never witnessed anything like it".

"At the beginning when things were the busiest it was exhausting, but also very energising; there was a bit of adrenaline, " Ms Read said.

"Knowing we are going to work as essential workers - as we're now called - is a great feeling and it really motivates me.

"I feel very appreciated and valued. Knowing we play an important role in our community, that's what keeps me going."

Amid the chaos, there has been, Ms Read said, stories of gratitude.

"We have a customer who's been coming to our store for the last 30 years.

"He's an older gentleman and every Saturday he comes in to buy a particular type of bread.

"We've had to change some of our operations over recent weeks, but we've been especially baking a few loaves of his favourite bread every Saturday morning.

"It's been really nice to see how much he appreciates it amidst everything that's going on."

Having worked at the store for two years, Ms Read says no two days are the same at the moment, with the supermarket chain continuing to implement new measures to protect customers and team members.

Measures have included designated shopping hours for the vulnerable, limits on purchases, maintaining social distance and packing your own bags.

"A big part of my job has been putting each of these changes in place for our store - from social distancing guides to increased hygiene across the board.

"For us, like everyone, social distancing has really changed the way we do things, so it's just been adjusting our regular work to make that possible.

"During our Community Hour for the elderly, I would greet them at the door and really focus on what their needs were.

"I'd help them collect their groceries quickly so they weren't out for any longer than they needed to be."

Demand on staff has seen teams bolstered.

"My hours haven't changed much, because I manage the bakery - we're always setting up early in the morning.

"We have seen the demand on our teams increase, particularly past month, and we've taken on new team members to help us continue to serve our customers over this busy period."

Ms Read said staff supported each other through the chaos.

"We have a great team. Working in these intense situations together has really brought us closer."

States have begun easing restrictions but social distancing is still in place.

"We understand it's been a difficult time for everyone, and we're doing the very best we can to serve our community through these challenging times."