Supermarkets around the country are ensuring essential workers get priority treatment when shopping.

Cahill said it was especially concerning if police officers or members of the public were spat on during the pandemic.

Chris Cahill says the member of the public spat in their faces while being arrested about 10pm in Waitematā.

Chris Cahill has raised the concept of a nationwide curfew to ease pressure on police officers during the Covid-19 lockdown.

Some police employees are being told that if they don't take up new positions, they'll have to take unpaid leave during the lockdown.

Police Association president Chris Cahill said feedback from frontline staff was that the majority of people understood the rules and were complying.