Couples and families are being reminded that they cannot shop together during England’s second lockdown.
Supermarkets across the country have reissued their rules to shoppers about one person from each household only being allowed to buy groceries in a bid to ensure social distancing rules can be adhered to.
- NHS flu vaccine found to offer protection against COVID-19
- COVID-19 responsible for more deaths than pneumonia and flu
Tesco and Aldi have introduced a traffic light system to all its stores to ensure numbers are kept to a minimum while inside.
Lidl, Asda and Waitrose have staff members at the entrance to their stores to ensure social distancing measures are kept in place and the shop does not get too crowded.
Sainsbury’s has said that if there are queues then older people, vulnerable customers and all NHS and care workers with ID will receive priority access to stores.
In a post on the brand’s website, Sainsbury’s also advised customers against stockpiling, reassuring them that all their shops have a “good supply of stock so please also continue to buy what you need for yourself and your family and there will be enough for everyone”.
Marks and Spencer’s has launched a new system called ‘Sparks Book & Shop’ which allows Sparks loyalty card members to reserve an instore timeslot, allowing them to skip any queues for that period.
In the community:
Priority trading hours for the vulnerable have changed though and are not the same for every shop as they were during the first lockdown.
There are currently no priority hours currently being offered at Lidl, Iceland, Asda and Sainsbury’s.
Between Monday to Saturday Aldi is opening its doors 30 minutes before the store officially opens, the vulnerable can shop at Co-op between Monday and Saturday from 8am, Sunday at 9am and on Wednesdays and Sundays Tesco is allowing vulnerable customers in to browse early between 9am-10am.
However, shop rules may change as the lockdown continues so it is recommended shoppers should check the store website before setting out.
