Strict new rules are set to go into effect across England on Monday.
However, the new provisions led to speculation about what that could mean Super Market Shoppers and potentially cause large queues outside supermarkets.
But the reports quickly reassured clients that the new government rules would not have much impact woman.
Most stores encourage only one person from each household to enter the store – however this will not prevent groups of up to six from shopping together starting Monday.
And while the rules for groups can be enforced with a fine, supermarket employees are unable to enforce the rules around face coverings.
The government still advises you to wear a face mask when shopping and many stores refuse entry to anyone without a cap and are not exempt from wearing it.
A spokesperson for the British Retail Consortium – which represents supermarkets – said: “The new government restrictions on group sizes will not affect the current shopping experience.
“Since the pandemic began, retailers have invested millions in social distancing measures to make stores safe for customers.”
Many supermarkets have also issued new guidelines – or updated their existing rules. This is what some major chains have said.
Aldi
Face coverings are mandatory in Aldi stores but supermarket employees are unable to enforce the rules.
(Photo: Mike Kemp / Photo via Getty Images)
At Aldi, a company spokesperson said: “Customers are encouraged to comply with government guidelines on face coverings but, like other retailers, our colleagues cannot enforce these rules.”
Asda
Asda encourages customers to stay away from each other and urges customers to wear face coverings for their own safety.
An Asda spokesperson said: “Throughout the pandemic, our customers have adopted many new rules to help keep everyone in our stores safe, and we are confident that they will continue to show care and concern for each other by wearing a face covering when they visit our stores.
“We also have signs at the entrance to the store and on the edges of the shelves to encourage customers to wear the flip cover and use Asda FM (our in-store radio) to remind customers more.
“While we will do our best to strongly encourage customers to respect the new guidelines, the responsibility for their preservation and enforcement rests with the appropriate authorities.”
Iceland
Iceland said it would not ask employees to “observe” the rules for covering the face, but said that customers should wear one if they are able to.
A spokesperson said: “We welcome additional measures taken by the government and will support mandatory face coverings in our stores in England, subject to the exemptions in the latest directive.
However, we will not put our employees at risk by requiring them to monitor this.
Morrisons
Face covers are a must-have at Morrisons stores – and the chain goes one step further by distributing free covers for those who forget to bring them.
Sainsbury
Sainsbury said it will not “challenge” those who break the rules because some people may have disabilities that prevent them from wearing one.
But face coverings are recommended, as in all shops in England.
Tesco
Tesco said customers must wear a face covering when shopping in stores.
They will be available to purchase at the entrance for those who forgot to bring one.
