No face covering, no entry, say retailers

ASHBOURNE’S Sainsbury’s store is to join the chain’s outlets across the country by refusing entry to customers who refuse to wear face coverings amid rising coronavirus infections.

It comes after Morrisons announced on Monday that shoppers who refuse to wear face masks offered by staff will not be allowed inside, unless they are medically exempt.

The announcements come amid concerns that social distancing measures are not being adhered to in supermarkets.

Boris Johnson has urged the public to respect coronavirus regulations when out grocery shopping and buying takeaway coffee, amid “deep” concerns from food retail workers over their safety.

Shopworkers’ union Usdaw said it had been “inundated” with complaints from its members – who are classed as key workers – and called for supermarkets to revert to more stringent in-store measures.

Retail bosses have also suggested that further police support is needed to help enforce measures, which they say are leading to an increase in abuse towards staff.

The Prime Minister said people needed to “do the right thing” by adhering to social distancing when out.

He said: “We need to enforce the rules in supermarkets. When people are getting takeaway drinks, in cafes, then they need to avoid spreading the disease there, avoid mingling too much,” he said. Usdaw general secretary Paddy

Lillis said: “Retail staff are working with the public every day and not only suffer increased abuse, but are deeply worried about catching Covid-19.

“Where safety measures are agreed, retailers need to make sure that they are being followed consistently, in every store. We are also very concerned by reports that too many customers are not following necessary safety measures like social distancing, wearing a face covering and only shopping for essential items.

“Many retail workers are at a greater risk of catching the virus and bringing it home to their families.

“These key workers must be valued, respected and protected.”

Andrew Opie, director of food and sustainability at the British Retail Consortium, said: “While enforcement of face coverings is the responsibility of the police, retailers continue to do what they can to encourage their use throughout stores. Sadly, this has led to a sharp rise in incidents of violence and abuse against shop workers, which is why it is essential police support the work being done by retailers.”

Sainsbury’s will also refuse entry to those shopping in groups. A spokeswoman said: “We continue to have a range of measures in place to keep customers and colleagues safe in our stores.

“We have greeters outside to limit the number of customers coming into stores and continue to remind customers to wear face coverings and shop alone if they are able to.”