AS Covid rules are set to be eased, we explain what shoppers need to know when heading to supermarkets.
Supermarkets remain open as they are classed as essential shops under lockdown rules, so you can continue to buy food and other household items.
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However, customers will still have to follow the safety measures they have put in place.
The first step of lockdown easing came into action on March 8 when schools reopened for all pupils.
The lockdown rules are then set to be relaxed on Monday, March 29, when either six people or two households will be able to meet outside.
Shopping rules aren’t expected to change, but below are the ones you need to be aware of if you shop in store and any buying limits.
In January, ministers told councils to place limits on the number of people allowed into shops at any one time and to carry out checks on policies.
These limits vary depending on the size of the store – the more floor space there is, the greater number of shoppers can be inside at the same time.
Some stores have placed limits on the number of items you can buy to stop panic buying and ensure there is enough to go round.
The majority of retailers have also increased their stance on customers wearing face masks while shopping.
Asda
Asda has increased safety measures to help shoppers buy groceries safely during England’s third coronavirus lockdown.
Marshals are in place outside the entrance to remind people about having to wear a face mask unless there’s an exemption.
Anyone who forgets their mask will be able to pick up one at the door and start wearing it, then pay for it at the end of their shop.
Marshals will also be in busy parts of larger stores to manage the flow of people and maintain social distancing.
Automatic counting technology has been installed in 100 of the busiest Asda stores.
The software keeps tabs on how many shoppers are inside at any time so staff can stop more people entering when stores become full.
At this point, you’ll be expected to wait outside until other customers leave.
In some locations, the retailer has rolled out its virtual queuing system run by a free app called Quidini.
The nifty service means customers can wait in their car instead of queuing outside one of the 421 larger stores if the shop is busy.
Asda is advising shoppers to keep two metres away from other customers and staff, including at counters, as well as to avoid touching items, only picking up what you buy.
The supermarket is also applying a layer of antimicrobial material to its trollies and baskets to help stop the spread of bacteria and is adding more sanitisation stations.
Alongside this, it’s asking people to pay with a card or mobile device where possible and at tills it also has plastic screens.
All tills will be open at the busiest times to help reduce long queues and backlogs of people wanting to pay.
Aldi
Aldi shoppers were previously limited to buying three packs of each of toilet roll, pasta, flour and eggs, but these restrictions have been eased.
Customers are still able to pick up Specialbuy items when in store.
There continues to be a traffic light queuing system operating at Aldi to manage shopper numbers along with a range of other safety measures.
Face coverings are mandatory, unless exempt, as they are in all shops, and there are social distancing markers in store which shoppers should follow.
Aldi is advising customers to avoid busy times, which is usually 11am-3pm and to shop alone if you can.
There are perspex screens at tills and when you’re there, pay with card or other contactless option where possible.
There are currently priority opening times for the elderly and vulnerable every Monday and Saturday when stores open 30 minutes earlier, and the same for NHS staff and emergency workers on Sundays.
