Bargain supermarket Aldi has announced a string of new safety measures to help customers during the coronavirus pandemic.
Adding to its current social distancing measures, which include a no touch policy, floor markings, checkout safety screens and a one-adult-per-shop policy, the supermarket giant has issued an update.
It comes just weeks after the grocer launched online food deliveries for the first time in its history - selling online 'essential' food boxes for £24.99.
To avoid overcrowding, the grocer has listed the busiest and quietest times to visit its stores, with the use of a traffic light system uploaded to its website.
The chain added that NHS, police and fire service workers with valid ID now get priority access in queues at all times.
Most stores are also open until 10pm, and Aldi bosses have been encouraging people to visit at quieter times.
Busiest times are said to be late morning with the quieter periods between 7pm and 10pm.
Aldi has also urged customers to only buy what they need as shelves are replenished every day, meaning there's no need for stockpiling.
Like Asda, Aldi has suggested customers to only touch items they plan to buy, to help stop the spread of Covid-19.
Other changes include two metre distance markers on the floors at checkouts, and trolley and basket cleaning stations.
The move comes as rival Sainsbury's has warned social distancing will be in force for the rest of the year - with queues outside likely to be in place until at least autumn.
Face masks
The supermarket is now providing free face masks for staff to help protect them from catching the virus from each other, as well as customers.
Vouchers
The chain is also launching a voucher scheme to help volunteers that are aiding the vulnerable with their food shops.
The vouchers can be purchased online, and delivered free of charge.
Increasing British beef orders
Additionally it is supporting certain UK suppliers by increasing the number of orders on meat produce from farmers.
Aldi has arranged to purchase additional orders of British beef in order to help its partners who have found themselves with surplus beef, after the UK lockdown saw restaurants and catering businesses close.
Selling 200,000 flowers
Finally, the supermarket has established an agreement with a horticultural firm, in order to sell 200,000 flowers in store and online.
This will help horticultural suppliers to move their spring plants which would otherwise be disposed of due to the closure of garden centres and other non essential shops.
One such supplier, Lovania Nurseries, an Aldi supplier for over 20 years, has received an order for 200,000 Spring Perennials from the supermarket.
