Face mask rules in supermarkets explained as Plan B restrictions end – what you need to know
SUPERMARKETS now allow customers to shop without a mask as Plan B restrictions have ended.
Government rules which made face coverings compulsory in supermarkets in England came to an end on Thursday, January 27.
Store have eased the requirement for customers to wear masks - with Sainsbury's, Asda and more already confirming the imminent change.
But stores are still allowed to require customers wear face coverings if they want to.
More commonly, request that customers wear a mask.
In Scotland and Wales, face masks remain mandatory in shops and public places.
And in Northern Ireland, shoppers must wear masks in stores, on public transport and in restaurants unless you're sitting down.
Here are all the major supermarkets' face mask rules and guidelines.
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Aldi
Aldi has also said it will be shoppers' "personal choice" whether they wear a mask in store.
But customers have been asked to "respect each other's personal space" by social distancing where possible.
Aldi added: "Perspex screens, hand sanitisation stations and cleaning stations remain in Stores to use."
Asda
Like Sainsbury's, Asda will also not expect customers to wear face masks while shopping - but asks shoppers to "consider wearing one in crowded spaces".
We're told Asda will continue to have spare face masks available at the door in case you want one and forgot to bring your own.
Iceland
The frozen foods specialist courted controversy when Plan B restrictions were announced after the store's CEO said staff will "not police" mask-wearing in stores.
They will no longer need to as the requirement to wear a face covering has ended.
It's likely Iceland will ask but not expect its customers to wear a mask.
We've asked Iceland for confirmation and will let you know as soon as we hear.
Lidl
The budget supermarket hasn't made clear exactly what its new guidance is.
But Lidl has previously asked customers to "consider" covering their faces in store during periods of eased Covid restrictions.
So you've got good reason to expect the same again.
Marks and Spencer
M&S hasn't said what it expects or recommends customers since Plan A rules returned.
But when restrictions were eased last July, the supermarket said customers will be given the choice whether to wear a mask - and "encouraged" them to do so.
We can expect similar guidelines this time around.
Morrisons
Morrisons has not announced what its face covering guidance is.
We've asked and will let you know as soon as we do.
However, it's likely the store will recommend but not require customers wear a face covering in store.
Sainsbury's
Shoppers at Sainsbury's are now requested but not required to wear face masks.
A Sainsbury's spokesperson told The Sun "Safety remains our highest priority.
"We continue to have a range of safety measures in all of our stores, including screens and sanitising stations."
Tesco
Tesco has not yet confirmed what its face mask rules or guidance will be after Plan B restrictions are lifted.
We've asked the supermarket and will let you know when we get an answer.
But based on previous rule eases, Tesco is likely to suggest but not require shoppers wear a mask.
Waitrose
Waitrose and John Lewis stores will continue to advise customers wear a mask while shopping, but will no longer require the practice.
A Waitrose & Partners spokesperson told us: "From Thursday 27 January, we'll be suggesting people wear masks in our stores, although it will be down to individuals to make a personal choice."
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