UK Supermarkets Announce Tougher Rules on Masks as COVID Cases Continue to Rise.

Various supermarkets have made statements stating that they will be tightening COVID restrictions in their shops.

Leading supermarket, Morrisons, released a statement from chief executive David Potts last night,

“Those who are offered a face covering and decline to wear one won't be allowed to shop at Morrisons unless they are medically exempt”. He went on to say, “Our colleagues are working hard to feed you and your family so please be kind.”

Following Morrisons announcement, Sainsburys also said they will be increasing the number of security guards on the doors checking that customers entering the store are following the rules.

In a letter addressed to customers, chief executive Simon Roberts wrote,

“When shopping in our stores, you must wear a mask or visor unless you have a medical exemption. And you should also shop on your own. Thank you for your support.’

Mr Roberts also stated that more security guards will be on the shop doors to help colleagues with challenging customers who do not comply with the new rules.

The announcements were met with mixed reviews on Twitter.

One user accused Morrisons of discriminating against disabled people.

Other users pointed out the new rules could breach the Equalities Act 2010,

However, with COVID numbers on the rise and a warning from Sir Chris Whitty that ‘‘the worst weeks are to come’, some were praising the supermarkets for trying to keep customers and staff safe and called for other stores to follow foot.

Other superstores, like ASDA, announced it will extend it's security guard hours from 08:00-20:00 and increase how often baskets and trollies are cleaned.

Tesco, along with Aldi, both have traffic light systems in place to control the number of shoppers in store.