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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Entertainment
Neil Shaw & Catherine Murphy

Latest updates on wearing face masks in Tesco, Asda, Aldi, Sainsbury's and M&S

The country has now been in lockdown for more than three months with June seeing some of the biggest changes so far with more shops open and many bars now serving take out drinks.

Other changes include rules around face masks, they are now mandatory when traveling on Merseyrail trains and other public transport.

Tomorrow, the Government is expected to announce even more changes to the current social distancing rules with some suggestions around the two metre rule being relaxed in order to help pubs, cafes and restaurants reopen.

But the relaxation is likely to come with tightening of other rules - which could include face masks, reports, LeicestershireLive.

Supermarkets across the country have their own guidance on face masks with some updated in recent days. Below, we've listed the current rules for the UK's biggest supermarkets.

Tesco

The supermarket chain has not made wearing masks compulsory for customers or staff, although they are available if staff wish to wear them.

Instead, social distancing measures have been introduced, including how many shoppers can shop at one time.

The retailer previously said the government guidance refers to indoor spaces where social distancing is not possible.

Asda

The supermarket giant has also left the choice up to customers when they visit stores.

A spokesperson said: "We are complying with all Government guidelines and we welcome customers wearing face masks or not.

"Our colleagues all have the option of wearing face masks which we have supplied and the colleagues in clinical settings (pharmacy and optical) have been required to wear masks since the start of the pandemic as per the government guidelines on clinical workers."

Aldi

Aldi issued face masks to all staff early on in the pandemic but it is not compulsory for them to wear.

A statement from Aldi said: "Aldi will be providing the option of face masks to all its store-based colleagues to further support their safety as they continue to feed the nation.

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"This move is in addition to the previously announced provision of gloves and clear screens that are being installed at more than 7,000 checkouts.

"Colleagues can also now access the Government’s Covid-19 testing programme for critical workers.”

Customers also have the choice of whether they want to wear a face covering or not.

Sainsbury's

Similar to its rival, the supermarket chain has masks available for all colleagues should they wish to wear them.

A spokesperson said: "Masks are available for all our colleagues who wish to use them while they work or travel to their place of work.”

However, no one in the store is made to wear these and social distancing measures have been introduced to keep shoppers safe.

Marks and Spencer

M&S Foodhall stores have remained open throughout the pandemic and made changes to how operations are run.

Face visors have reportedly been available to staff since the beginning of April.

However, wearing the visors - or any face coverings - is not enforced.

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