Face mask rules for Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury's and more - and how long they'll last

For months now Brits have had to get used to wearing face masks when going into supermarkets.

Shoppers have had to cover their faces and told to maintain social distancing when visiting all shops in a bid to keep coronavirus transmission rates down.

On top of that, supermarkets have also been limiting the number of people inside their stores at any one time with queuing systems outside, refusing entry to those not wearing face coverings (unless medically exempt), urging customers to shop alone, installed screens at checkouts and enforced clear entry and exit routes.

Last month the government published its roadmap out of lockdown for England that includes an update on the use of face masks and social distancing.

The rule of six is due to return for outdoor meetings later this month, before rules allow gatherings of up to 30 people outside and a maximum of six indoors later on in the four-step plan.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson hopes a gradual easing of restrictions will lead to all limits of social contact being scrapped later in the year.

Alongside four-step plan to end lockdown, a review on the future of face coverings and social distancing is also being carried out.

In the roadmap - officially called the Covid-19 Response - the government says: "Social distancing is difficult and damaging for businesses and, as a result, it is important to return to as near to normal as quickly as possible.

"Ahead of Step 4, as more is understood about the impact of vaccines on transmission and a far greater proportion of the population has been vaccinated, the Government will complete a review of social distancing measures and other long-term measures that have been put in place to limit transmission.

"The results of the review will help inform decisions on the timing and circumstances under which rules on 1m+, face masks and other measures may be lifted.

"The review will also inform guidance on working from home -people should continue to work from home where they can until this review is complete."

Step 4 of the lockdown exit strategy will not be implemented until June 21 at the earliest.

That means the government's existing rules on wearing face masks and social distancing in shops - including all supermarkets - will remain in place until at least that date.