A number of high street chains have introduced strict new measures to implement social distancing over the past five weeks, as coronavirus continues to sweep through the UK.
Most chains now have two metre markers outside stores - as part of efforts to help manage the spread of the viral infection.
And while numbers are starting to stabilise, Brits are still being urged to maintain the gap - with social distancing run right through to 2021.
Home Bargains has been named an 'essential' retailer, which means its 500 stores are allowed to stay open despite a UK-wide lockdown.
However, the chain has a number of measures in place to help reduce social contact in stores.
In some branches, posters have been put up, advising customers to shop alone - with no more than one person per household allowed.
By adhering to this limit it means each customer can keep a two metre distance from each other.
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"If you can, visit shop on your own, not in a group. Please avoid bringing children if you can," the chain explains.
Other requests including 'only buying one' of each item you need and paying via a contactless card to reduce the exchange of cash.
Here are the retailer's safeguarding measures in full
- Buy only what you need and shop only once per week if you can
- Help us limit the number of customers in store at once by following instructions from staff and waiting outside if asked
- If you can, visit shop on your own, not in a group. Please avoid bringing children if you can
- Pay by card and with contactless payments where possible
- Remain at least 2 meters from staff and other customers (we've added floor marking in key places in the store to help you with this)
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Be kind to our staff who are working tirelessly to make sure you can get what you need
The move comes after Home Bargains workers walked out of ones of its stores in South Shields on Monday, over social distancing concerns.
A spokesperson for Home Bargains management denied there were failings and said it has implemented safety rules at all its stores throughout the UK.
Home Bargains has now posted an update to customers about how it's responding to Covid-19.
Home Bargains said: "We are working tirelessly to ensure that we’re keeping our stores fully stocked and to continue to provide customers with the great products and service you’ve come to expect.
"We are taking all necessary steps to ensure the safety of everyone shopping and working in our stores. The key safety measures we have in place are set out below, and we appreciate your continued support in implementing them."
