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Supermarkets have changed shopping rules to enable social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic. Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s and Marks & Spencer have given an update of shopping rules and when customers can shop.
Tesco
The supermarket giant has made some changes to shopping in the last few weeks.
The retailer has asked shoppers to visit stores alone to help maintain social distancing.
A traffic light system has also been introduced in some larger branches to help manage the flow of shoppers.
In an email from Tesco UK & Ireland CEO Jason Tarry, he shared an update about opening times.
He said: “In store, we’re continuing our dedicated hours for vulnerable customers and we’re giving NHS workers priority access.”
These hours will vary between stores and customers can check times at their local branch online.
The retailer has also extended opening times to give customers more flexibility.
The Tesco website states: “To help more people shop in-store at times that are quieter or more convenient, we’ve extended the opening hours in many of our shops, although the majority remain closed overnight.”
Asda
The supermarket chain has made changes to encourage social distancing in stores.
The retailer has rolled out ‘Scan and Go’ to all stores which means shoppers can use their own devices to scan their groceries and pack as they go.
It has also extended opening hours to spread out the times that customers visit.
A statement on the Asda website said: “Some of our stores are now open 24 hours.
“To find out your local store opening times please visit our store locator.”
Sainsbury’s
Like most supermarkets, Sainsbury’s have introduced measures to make shopping safer for customers.
These include sanitising stations for customers and perspex safety screens at checkouts.
Shopping hours have been extended and hours have been dedicated to vulnerable customers and NHS workers.
“To reduce queuing times both inside and outside our stores we have extended many of our stores opening hours,” a statement explained.
“Customers are now welcome to shop with us at any time during store opening hours.
“However NHS and care workers will still have priority entry from 7.30am to 8am Monday to Saturday and elderly, vulnerable and disabled customers will still have priority entry from 8am to 9am Monday, Wednesday and Friday.”
Marks & Spencer
Those visiting M&S Foodhalls will notice safety measures in place including sanitising stations.
Opening hours have also been changed with certain times dedicated to vulnerable customers and key workers.
A statement said: “Supporting our customers and communities during this difficult time is our number one priority.
“We want to make sure everyone has access to the items they need, so we are setting aside the first hour of trading on certain days for our older and vulnerable customers, and for our brilliant NHS staff, carers and emergency workers.
“For older and vulnerable customers, this is on Mondays and Thursdays. For NHS staff, carers and emergency workers, this is on Tuesdays and Fridays.”
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