TESCO has joined Morrisons and Sainsbury’s in banning shoppers who refuse to wear face masks in their stores.
It comes amid fears supermarkets could become hotspots for spreading coronavirus.
Tesco is the latest supermarket to say it will ban shoppers for entering branches without a face mask
From this week, Sainsbury’s has ordered security guards to enforce mask laws as well as make sure people are not shopping in groups.
Morrisons and Tesco will also stop customers from going inside without a face covering unless they are medically exempt.
As part of the rules, customers who arrive at Morrisons stores without a face mask will be offered one free of charge by staff.
If they then refuse to wear one, they won’t be allowed to enter stores.
Morrisons will stop people from entering shops without a face mask
Sainsbury’s will also order security guards to enforce mask laws
Children under the age of 11 don’t have to wear a face mask.
As part of government guidelines, you can be fined £200 for not wearing a face mask in a public setting – again, unless you are exempt.
Fines double each time someone is found in breach of the rules, up until a maximum of £6,400.
Tesco and Sainsbury’s are also urging customers to shop alone – groups and couples from the same household won’t be allowed in branches together.
The stricter rules came into force at Morrisons yesterday, and today at Sainsbury’s and Tesco.
Asda told Trending In The News it already introduced a similar policy in July and staff will continue to refuse entry to customers who do not cover their nose and mouth while shopping.
Morrisons Chief Executive, David Potts said: “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.
“Our store colleagues are working hard to feed you and your family, please be kind.”
A Tesco spokesperson added: “Our colleagues are working hard in difficult circumstances to make sure everyone can get what they need, and we’d ask everyone to please be kind, patient and respectful as we all work to keep each other safe.”
Sainsbury’s boss Simon Roberts said: “The vast majority of customers are shopping safely, but I have also seen some customers trying to shop without a mask and shopping in larger family groups.
“Please help us to keep all our colleagues and customers safe by always wearing a mask and by shopping alone. Everyone’s care and consideration matters now more than ever.”
Aldi, Lidl, Marks and Spencer and Waitrose are yet to say whether they will be tightening the rules for shoppers.
Supermarkets have also introduced other similar Covid-secure rules – you can read our full supermarket lockdown guide here.
Yesterday, ministers told local councils to place limits on the number of people allowed into shops at any one time to stop the virus spreading.
Meanwhile, supermarkets will see fresh checks on safety policies and possible fines for those flouting rules.
Vaccine Deployment Minister Nadhim Zahawi begged Brits to stay at home in an interview with LBC on Monday.
He said: “Please, please, please stay at home. I am concerned about supermarkets.
“We want to make sure people follow the one-way system and wear masks and face coverings.”
Health Secretary Matt Hancock praised the steps taken by Morrisons at a Downing Street Press briefing on Monday.
He said: “I applaud the step Morrisons has taken today. I want to see all parts of society playing a part in this.”
Morrisons previously expanded its click and collect service with 37,000 slots now available every day.
Find out the latest supermarket lockdown rules here.
We’ve put together a guide to find out when supermarkets release upcoming order dates.
