How supermarket shoppers are coping with the new face mask rules

ALL MAJOR STORES ARE NOW ENFORCING THE COVID PREVENTION MEASURE

ALL major UK supermarkets are now enforcing the wearing of face masks in their stores to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

A significant number of shoppers have always worn face masks since the coronavirus restrictions came in at the start of the pandemic, but with cases rising, particularly from the new strain, supermarkets have announced they will now enforce the rule.

A face covering has been compulsory in shops from July 24 but it’s only this week that supermarkets announced they would be fully enforcing the measures.

Morrisons were first to announce the change, quickly followed by Sainsbury’s, Asda and Tesco.

To see how the shops are handling the changes, Grimsby Live visited the four main supermarkets, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Asda, and Tesco Extra and spoke to shoppers about the rule. All of the stores now have signs up telling people of the rule change in store. The wording is very clear, telling people that it is compulsory, and you are only exempt from doing so for medical reasons. In stores, there are more signs reminding people to keep their masks on throughout their visit.

But it’s not just the signs that are different, the shops have also stepped up the enforcement on the doors.

In all four of the supermarkets, there was at least one security guard keeping an eye on customers coming into the store.

Asda, however, was particularly thorough, having two members of staff watching people come in and checking they were wearing a face covering.

There was also a box of disposable masks next to them, which suggests anyone they will be offered to anyone trying to enter the store without a face covering.

Are people following the rules?

In short, yes. Across all four supermarkets, only five people were spotted not wearing masks, but this does not mean they are not following the rules. With the number of staff enforcing masks on the door, it’s safe to say that the few people walking around the shop without one will be exempt. It would be hard for anyone to get in the store not wearing a mask without being asked first.

Shoppers have also noticed a change in recent days.

One Morrisons shopper said: “I’ve noticed a big difference since the last time I visited the shop. I think most people were wearing masks anyway, but it’s pretty much everyone I have seen today has been wearing a mask.

“I did not notice it at first, because I’m kind of used to seeing people wearing face coverings, but it’s being enforced well by staff.

“I think it’s important that everyone sticks to it. The virus is a lot more contagious now and supermarkets can get very busy at times.”

An Asda shopper said: “I was surprised at how strictly staff were enforcing it. Two people being on the door stops anyone from slipping through, someone was stopped coming into the shop as I was coming in and it just shows how strictly they are enforcing it. “There were a couple of people walking around not wearing one, but I feel like they must have been exempt. “I’m glad everyone is following the rules, though. I feel a lot safer with the rule in place.”

The virus is a lot more contagious now and supermarkets can get very busy at times.

A Morrisons shopper