Supermarkets around the county have introduced new rules in-store and online amid a second wave in coronavirus. In order to help shoppers and staff stay safe, customers must adhere to the new guidelines announced by the food stores. There are also some buying restrictions across certain products in a bid to stop people stockpiling and panic buying.
The supermarket also recently introduced buying restrictions across essential items in-store including three to four units of dried pasta, flour, toilet roll, baby wipes and anti-bacterial wipes.
Aldi
Aldi was one of the first supermarkets to introduce a traffic light system which indicates to customers when it is safe to enter and when they must form a socially distanced queue outside.
Unlike Tesco, Aldi still has no buying restrictions and has no plans to introduce these at the moment.
In a letter to customers, CEO Giles Hurley wrote: ”I would like to reassure you that our stores remain fully stocked and ask that you continue to shop considerately. There is no need to buy more than you usually would. We have remained open for our customers throughout the pandemic and will continue to have daily deliveries, often multiple times a day, across all of our products.”
Asda has also brought in 1,000 new safety marshals across its stores to make sure shoppers are staying safe and following its guidance which includes social distancing and wearing face masks in-store.
If customers are not wearing masks in store, they will be told they can buy a pack of disposable masks and pay for them at the checkout with the rest of their shop.
Supermarkets across the country will also provide sanitisation stations to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Asda is also the first food store to introduce protective coatings to their basket and trolley handles which is designed to help stop the spread of bacteria and viruses.
Morrisons
Morrisons is keeping in-line with government guidance and urges customers to wear face masks when visiting a store.
Free face masks will be available if shoppers have forgotten theirs.
The supermarket chain has also introduced buying limits on items including toilet roll and disinfectant products.
It said stock levels “were good”, but the company wanted to “make sure they were available for everyone”.
Morrisons has also recently launched a next day grocery delivery service for its customers who are self-isolating.
Deliveries will be made by a store colleague from customers’ local stores, often by the stores Community Champion – who helps out with members of their nearby neighbourhood.
When placing an order over the phone, customers can choose from a menu which has a list of essential grocery items like milk, butter, eggs, potatoes, pasta, bananas and flour.
Customers can also request additional items that are essential to their household.
Those who are self-isolating and in need of an emergency grocery delivery need to phone 0345 611 6111 and select option five.