Supermarket face mask rules for July 19 explained, including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Lidl and Morrisons

MASKS don’t have to be worn in the supermarket from today, as it’s no longer a law now Covid restrictions have been axed.

But retail bosses are asking shoppers to still do so, as wearing masks as well a measures like social distancing are “expected and recommended” instead.

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Before today Brits would face a fine of up to £6,400 for not wearing a mask in shops, but this legal obligation has now been dropped.

The country celebrates “freedom day” today which means all lockdown restrictions have been lifted across England.

Social distancing isn’t required either under the new rules, meaning supermarkets now don’t legally have to restrict the number of customers in stores.

This means no more queuing up outside shops, traffic light systems at the door and one way systems in many places.

However, individual businesses can make their own decision about whether to continue to enforce mask wearing and other Covid rules.

Lots of stores are keeping their signage in place too that still tells you to keep your distance from others and encourages you to pop on a mask inside.

That’s because it is still recommended that people continue to wear face coverings in crowded spaces.

Masks are to remain mandatory in Scotland and Wales though.

We reveal what the chains have said on the rule changes that have come into place today.

Aldi

An Aldi spokesperson has said: “From Monday July 19, we’ll continue to encourage customers and colleagues to wear face coverings when they’re in store.

“Other measures like hand sanitiser and screens will also stay in place.

“Face masks are still required for customers and colleagues in our Welsh and Scottish stores, in line with the latest guidance.”

There is a traffic light queuing system operating at Aldi to manage shopper numbers currently along with a range of other safety measures and it’s not expected that these will be disappearing any time soon.

Aldi is advising customers to avoid busy times, usually 11am-3pm, and to shop alone if you can.

The quietest times are supposed to be from 7pm until 10pm so that might be your best option for safe shopping.

While you’re there you are also encouraged to pay with card or other contactless options where possible.

Asda

An Asda Spokesperson said: “We encourage customers to be respectful to each other and to follow the Government guidance on face coverings when shopping in our stores after 19th July.”

So the store won’t enforce the rule of wearing a mask but it is recommended if the store is busy.

It’s also providing face coverings at the front of store for customers who wish to wear one.

At the moment Asda is advising shoppers to keep two metres away from other customers and staff, including at counters, as well as to avoid touching items, only picking up what you then buy.

The supermarket is also applying a layer of antimicrobial material to its trollies and baskets to help stop the spread of bacteria and more sanitisation stations, plus screens will be staying for now.

Alongside this, it’s asking people to pay with a card or mobile device where possible and at tills there are plastic screens positioned.

Iceland

Iceland said it is reviewing its policies on masks and social distancing following the latest government announcement.

The supermarket said it will provide another update on changes when it is able to do so.

For now the supermarket is working on the various complexities of making changes across its stores in time for Monday.

An Iceland spokesperson said: “We are currently reviewing our policies in line with the latest updates from the Government on the easing of restrictions, and will continue to do so as further updates are provided.

“The safety of our customers and colleagues will continue to be our priority as restrictions are eased and we will update on any changes as we are able to do so.”

Lidl

The latest update from Lidl is that it will keep its covid safety measures like screens and sanitiser in place, as well as continue to display signage that asks customers to wear masks.

A spokesperson for the supermarket said: “We have followed government advice throughout the pandemic and are continuing to do so as we enter this next phase over the summer.

“Although no longer legally required, the government recommends that people continue to wear face coverings in crowded or indoor spaces and we will have signage in place at store entrances reminding our customers of this.”

The elderly, vulnerable and single parent families should ask for assistance if they need it.

Customers are also encouraged to pay by contactless payment.

Morrisons

A Morrison’s spokesperson said: “In England, while face coverings will no longer be a legal requirement, guidance encourages everyone to wear one in crowded areas.

“We will encourage all customers and colleagues to follow this guidance in store, to maintain social distancing and to exercise their own judgement.”

The supermarket will also continue to offer a free face covering to any customer or colleague who may have forgotten theirs. 

Plus protective screens and sanitising stations will remain in place in all stores and will be cleaned and replenished regularly.

Sainsbury’s

Sainsbury’s has indicated that it will let individual staff and customers decide whether to wear a mask from today.

Chief executive Simon Roberts said: “We’re clearly going to follow the Government advice, we’ll continue to listen to our customers and colleagues and we’ll respect and support the individual choices [they] want to make.”

The store did say though that it would encourage customers to continue wearing masks in its supermarkets.

The supermarket said: “Face coverings are no longer required by law,”

“However, the Government expects and recommends that people continue to wear a face covering in crowded, enclosed spaces.”

Tesco

A Tesco spokesperson said: “Since the start of the pandemic, we have focused on ensuring everyone can get the food they need in a safe environment. 

“Having listened to our customers and colleagues, we will continue to have safety measures in place in our stores.”

It means as well as encouraging customers to keep wearing masks, the store will continue to limit the number of people in store at any time, as well as keep protective screens at every checkout.

There will also be hand sanitiser stations and regular cleaning continued too.

The store also said: “We’re asking our customers and colleagues to be on the safe side, and so from July 19 we’ll be encouraging our colleagues to wear face coverings whilst they work and encouraging our customers to do the same when they shop with us.”

Larger Tesco stores have a traffic light system in place to manage the number of people in store – how many are allowed in at the same time depends on the size.

The supermarket is encouraging shoppers to visit stores on their own to help maintain social distancing measures, but if they need to bring children or shop with a carer for example, then that is allowed.

If a queue develops outside and it’s raining, Tesco is providing umbrellas for customers, which have been fully sanitised.

If you forget your face covering and want to wear one, there should be some available when you enter the store which you can wear immediately and then pay for with the rest of your shopping.

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This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk