COVID fears have increased with the Omicron variant spreading and there are new restrictions coming in.
Brits face fines for not following the new safety measures which include masks in shops.
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The wearing of a face covering was last required at the start of the year until all Covid restrictions were lifted on July 19.
But cases of the new variant and fears that it could spread over the winter mean mask-wearing will become a must in shops in England from Tuesday (December 30).
People will also have to wear masks on public transport and schoolchildren are also being advised to don face coverings too.
Here’s what you can expect when you head to supermarkets when the new rules to help fight Omicron come in.
Tesco
Tesco shoppers will have to wear a face covering when they head into one of the supermarket’s more than 4,000 locations.
Under current rules, Tesco already asks shoppers to wear one if possible.
From Tuesday it will become mandatory to wear a face covering under new government rules, unless exempt.
We’ve asked the supermarket if it will be bringing in any further rules, restrictions or safety measures and will update when we hear back.
? Read our Omicron variant live blog for the latest news
Previously Tesco has had a traffic light system in place managing the number of customers in store at once.
It has also encouraged shoppers to come alone before, if they can, and to follow social distancing measures.
At some points through the national lockdowns there were buying limits in place on some essential items.
For customers and staff in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, face coverings remain mandatory unless exempt.
Asda
Asda shoppers will also likely have to wear a mask from Tuesday when the new government rules come in, unless exempt.
We’ve also asked the supermarket if they will introduce any other new safety measures or restrictions and will update when we hear back.
After previous restrictions lifted, Asda said that it was still offering face coverings at the front of stores for customers who needed one.
Asda has hand sanitiser stations in place through stores and Perspex screens at tills, and there are extra cleaning processes in place still too.
For customers and staff in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, face coverings remain mandatory unless exempt.
Sainsbury’s
Shoppers heading to Sainsbury’s are likely to have to follow the government rules for wearing a mask from tomorrow, unless exempt.
Sainsbury’s said in a statement: “We are reviewing the latest government guidance and will keep customers and colleagues updated.”
Masks have not been compulsory but customers have been asked to wear face coverings when they can at the store.
Previously there have been staff on doors during restrictions reminding people of the mask-wearing rules.
It has also asked customers to avoid busy times and shop alone in the past, if they can, and has sometimes had queuing in place to ensure social distancing inside.
Customers and staff in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, must wear face coverings as they are mandatory unless exempt.
Aldi
Aldi shoppers will need to wear face coverings when they enter stores from Tuesday.
The supermarket has confirmed that the new rules will be in place, and we’ve asked if there will be any other safety measures or restrictions and will update when we hear back.
Giles Hurley, chief executive officer at Aldi UK said: “The safety of our colleagues and customers is our number one priority.
“Following the latest Government announcement, wearing a face covering will be mandatory for everyone that shops at Aldi from Tuesday 30 November, except for those who have a medical exemption.”
Previously Aldi limited to buying three packs of each of toilet roll, pasta, flour and eggs, at the height of Covid but these restriction were later eased.
It also had a traffic light queuing system in place before and advised shoppers to avoid the busiest times and shop alone if possible.
Masks are already mandatory at Aldi’s Scottish and Welsh stores.
Lidl
Shoppers heading to Lidl are expected to have to don a face covering from Tuesday onwards.
We’ve asked the supermarket if there will be any other safety measures or restrictions in place and will update when we hear back.
Previously Lidl had advised that customers shop at quiet times while entry was limited if there were too many people in stores.
At the height of the pandemic some stores did have restrictions in place on the amount of items each customers could buy, on a store by store basis.
Face coverings are mandatory in stores in Scotland and Wales under local government rules.Iceland
Iceland
Iceland shoppers will have to wear masks from tomorrow – but it won’t force customers to.
Richard Walker, the boss of the supermarket said his staff on shop floors will not be asked to intervene when they spot someone not wearing a mask.
Since lockdown lifted Iceland has encouraged shoppers to continue wearing masks.
We’ve asked if there will be any other new safety measures or restrictions in place for shoppers and will update when we hear back.
Morrisons
Morrisons shoppers will have to wear face masks under the new government rules coming in from Tuesday
We’ve asked Morrisons if there will be any new safety rules or restrictions in place and will update when we hear back.
Previously Morrisons has limited the number of customers in store with queues outside to keep social distancing inside.
There were also limits on a few key items a the height of the lockdowns, but none at the moment.
Moment Lidl manager stays calm as he’s abused by shoppers who refuse to wear face masks
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