Workers at Aldi supermarkets are set to be provided with face masks to help stop the spread of Covid-19.
Staff will be issued with the protective gear to add an extra layer of protection for themselves and shoppers.
The role masks should play in the fight against the pandemic is controversial - largely due to a global shortage - and the Government is actively reviewing their advice on wearing them.
An Aldi spokesperson told the Manchester Evening News they would be 'providing the option of face masks to all its store-based colleagues to further support their safety'.
Supermarkets chains rushed to put in place processes and equipment to protect people while shopping when the coronavirus first emerged.
Perspex screens at tills, two-meter markers on the floor and 'one in, one out' policies have all become commonplace in recent weeks.
Some supermarket staff have already started wearing facemasks.
Aldi has also launched a voucher scheme to make it easier for people to buy essential groceries for those who are vulnerable or self-isolating during the coronavirus pandemic.
The vouchers can be bought online from vouchers.aldi.co.uk and posted to any UK address, so they can be passed on to volunteers, friends or family members to shop on someone's behalf.
They are available in denominations of £5.00 and £10.00 with no additional cost to the customer for postage.
Fritz Walleczek, managing director for corporate responsibility at Aldi, said: "This is an incredibly difficult time for certain people in our communities and, as has always been our mission, we want to ensure everyone has safe, easy and affordable access to quality food.
"We all owe huge thanks to the volunteers, friends and family members that are making sure vulnerable people across the UK can get groceries while they self-isolate.
"I’m hopeful that our voucher scheme will make it a little bit easier for them to continue this vital work.”
