QUEUE BLUES
Asda, Lidl and Tesco now letting customers one in one out as they restrict numbers in stores
SHOPPERS are queuing outside supermarkets after Tesco, Asda and Lidl became the latest retailers to introduce new social distancing measures to keep customers safe during the coronavirus outbreak.
Many stores have introduced floor markings to help people stand further apart and are restricting the number of shoppers allowed in at any one time - leading to queues outside.
⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates
3
Asda said that from today (March 25) it would introduce changes in its stores, including markers on the floor to help customers keep their distance, barriers, additional signage and announcements.
The supermarket has also confirmed that it will be limiting the number of customers in its stores when necessary, to ensure that people can stick to social distancing rules.
There will be extra members of staff at the front of stores to help maintain safe numbers inside, with hand sanitiser available for customers to use when entering and departing.
Asda has asked customers to only touch what they purchase and to use cashless payment methods wherever possible.
The supermarket is also installing perspex screens at its checkouts, pharmacies and service desks to help minimise contact and closing half of its ‘scan and go’ checkouts to help people maintain distance between one another.
Roger Burnley, chief executive and president of Asda, said: “It has never been more important for us to work together to keep our distance.
“I want you to know that everyone at Asda is working tirelessly to make sure you have the essentials your family needs and that you can shop in our stores safely if you need to visit us.
“We’re working hard to protect you and our colleagues – please help us to do so by following the guidelines in place.
“My colleagues in our stores are working under incredible pressure to serve you – and I am hugely grateful to them for their efforts.
“Please be kind to them when you visit us - we’re all in this together.”
CORONAVIRUS CRISIS - STAY IN THE KNOW
Don't miss the latest news and figures - and essential advice for you and your family.
To receive The Sun's Coronavirus newsletter in your inbox every tea time, .
To follow us on Facebook, simply .
Get Britain's best-selling newspaper delivered to your smartphone or tablet each day - .
Sainsbury's will also be limiting the number of people allowed in its stores and at ATMs at any one time from Wednesday (March 26).
"We are putting queuing systems in place outside stores and will ask everyone to please queue at a safe distance of two metres apart," the supermarket said.
"Since we put limits on the number of items people could buy, food and other essential items are on shelves for longer each day so please arrive throughout the day to avoid long queues forming in the morning."
It is also reducing the number of open checkouts in order to keep people a safe distance from each other.
For staff, there will be safety screens at every manned checkout.
Tesco is taking similar measures to protect customers “from the moment they enter our carparks,” the retailer said.
Floor markings in car parks will help people to maintain safe distances when queuing, and where necessary, it will also limit the number of people coming into stores to make sure they don’t get too busy.
Hand sanitisers are also being placed around our stores for customers and staff to use, as well as extra cleaning products to wipe down trolleys and baskets.
In some stores, there will be directional floor markings and new signage, to encourage safe movement around the store.
And new floor markings will help people to keep a safe distance from others while waiting to pay.
Like Asda, Tesco is installing protective screens at our checkouts, and where possible will create separate entrances and exits to our stores so that it’s easier to keep a safe distance from other shoppers.
A Tesco spokesperson said: “We are introducing additional measures to protect our customers and colleagues, and ensure that everyone in our stores maintains a safe distance. We're asking customers to help by following some simple requests when they shop with us.”
3
3
Lidl also announced on Wednesday (March 25) that it would be “implementing a crowd control system with immediate effect” in order to try to manage social distancing within its stores.
“One of the measures we are introducing as part of this is positioning security guards or designated team members at store entrances to monitor the volume of people entering at one time,” it said.
“We are rolling out a raft of clear communication materials in all of our stores, reminding customers of the importance of maintaining a two-metre distance from each other when shopping.”
It had previously announced that it would be installing screens for staff on checkouts.
Morrisons, Aldi, Iceland and Sainsbury's have also installed protective screens for staff, while Waitrose has ordered screens and visors for its workers.
Supermarkets are also trying to encourage customers not to use cash, but to pay by contactless card instead.
A number of people took to social media to comment on the queuing system outside their local shop, with many suggesting that it was being handled well.
More on Money
Here's how to get supermarket delivery slots and where to buy essential items like loo roll and food during the UK lockdown.
A Nobel laureate said today that the coronavirus pandemic can be beaten faster than predicted – but social distancing is vital.
Shameless looter steals food package from vulnerable Brits’ doorstep during coronavirus lockdown
Get extra savings with The Sun Vouchers including discounts and voucher codes for Morrisons, ASDA, Tesco and many more Food & Drink retail providers.
Topics