The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission.
Sainsbury’s reminds customers to shop alone rather than in couples or families
Customers urged to ‘to shop alone wherever possible'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sainsbury’s has requested adults shop alone where possible, in a bid to help stop the spread of coronavirus.
On Thursday 5 November, England will enter a full national lockdown, during which people will be asked to stay at home and reduce contact with others.
During a press conference on Saturday 31 October, Prime minister Boris Johnson confirmed that the lockdown will also involve the closure of non-essential shops but that essential retail, such as supermarkets, will be allowed to stay open.
Following the announcement, many of the UKs major supermarkets have begun tightening their existing rules to ensure shoppers and staff are kept safe.
As part of its mission to stay Covid-secure, Sainsbury’s is reinforcing its one-person shopping rule, which it originally launched during the first national lockdown in March.
On Monday, the retailer posted a reminder about the measure on Twitter, writing: “Please remember to shop alone wherever possible to help stop the spread.”
The measure means that couples are asked not to shop together and parents to only enter shops with children if they are unable to stay at home. It has been designed to reduce the number of people inside stores at any one time, so that customers and staff can safely practice social distancing.
The supermarket also updated its website with additional safety measures, writing: “We are asking everyone to only send one adult per household to our shops where possible. This helps us keep people a safe distance apart and also helps to reduce queues to get into stores.
“Our store teams will be asking groups with more than one adult to choose one adult to shop and will ask other adults to wait. Children are welcome if they are not able to stay at home.”
Earlier this year, supermarkets introduced a number of new rules designed to prevent the further spread of coronavirus in their stores, from dedicated shopping hours for the elderly and vulnerable, to the installation of plastic screens at till points and encouraging customers to avoid using cash.
Face coverings are also required to be worn in all supermarkets, unless you are exempt from wearing one.
“Customers can enter Asda stores without a face covering if they have a medical condition or invisible disability that prevents them from wearing a covering,” say Asda's official guidelines. Staff except from wearing face coverings will be wearing a badge.
You can read about the full list of supermarket rules here.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments