WG backs stores over ‘no mask, no entry’ policies
THE Welsh Government has given its backing to supermarket chains which are bringing in tougher checks on maskwearing at their stores.
Sainsbury’s and Morrisons announced on Monday that stricter checks would be brought in for people wishing to shop at their stores.
Sainsbury’s said they were bringing in new plans to enforce maskwearing and shopping alone in stores to reduce the spread of coronavirus.
The retailer has instructed security guards to make sure customers are wearing masks, unless they can prove they are exempt, and not shopping in groups.
And Morrisons said they planned to eject customers who refuse to wear a face mask, unless they had a medical exemption.
The Welsh Government’s health minister Vaughan Gething said the move was welcome.
Speaking to BBC Radio Wales, he said: “I think it’s really important that everyone understands how serious this is.
“We’ve had widespread reports from people who are concerned about what is and isn’t happening within supermarkets.
“It appears to be individualised, rather than a whole chain having an approach that doesn’t match the requirements.
“Actually for people who do have those exemptions most are in a position to be able to explain and I think most people would understand why they are being asked.
“I think it’s a welcome move. If nothing else, it reinforces the seriousness of the position which we find ourselves in.”
The Welsh Government cabinet met on Monday to discuss tougher measures to reduce the spread of the virus in supermarkets.
First Minister Mark Drakeford said they wanted “to be confident” supermarkets are being run in the same way they were back in the first spring lockdown.
It would include one way systems in place as well as staff outside stores to ensure capacity limits were strictly maintained.
Tesco also yesterday announced it will stop shoppers who won’t wear a face mask from entering its supermarkets and bring in extra security at stores in a bid to help reduce the spread of coronavirus.