Boris Johnson has warned that coronavirus can be spread by handling products in a supermarket or shop, if someone with the virus had previously touched it.
According to research Covid-19 can remain on surfaces such as plastic and cardboard for a number of hours.
No. 10's warning comes after different supermarkets including Tesco, Asda, Morrison's and Sainsbury's, banned those who refuse to wear a face mask in their stores, except for those who are exempt, the Mirror reports.
Boris Johnson stressed that social distancing isn’t enough and that transmission of the virus can also occur through touching products.
Speaking during a coronavirus press conference on Friday, he said: "Please remember that this disease can be passed on not just by standing too near to someone in a supermarket queue, but also by handling something touched by an infected person.
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"Remember also that one in three people with Covid-19 have no symptoms and that's why the original message of hands, face, space is as important now as it has ever been."
The government guidance on shopping in a supermarket advises people to 'try to only touch what you are going to buy' when handling loose items.
And while the guidance said there is a 'very low' chance of catching the virus through food or food packaging, it says 'it is especially important to wash hands before handling food or eating'.
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The government advice says: "The risk of coronavirus (COVID-19) cross-contamination to food and food packaging is very low. Food businesses must ensure that they have the correct food hygiene and food safety processes in place and that these are being followed to protect their customers.
"Staff handling food in shops are required to maintain a high degree of personal cleanliness and wear suitable, clean clothing. This includes regular hand washing to maintain good hygiene.
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"Food businesses are required to have a system for managing food safety in place, but this does not necessarily require staff to wear gloves when serving or handling food.
"When you are buying loose foods such as fruit, vegetables, or bread in a bakery, try and only touch what you are going to buy."
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