New face mask rules have come into force that make it a requirement for shoppers to wear them in stores, unless exempt.
The Government has put rules in place requiring a mask to be worn in shops and on public transport in response to the identification of the Omicron variant of Covid-19 in recent days.
Police have the power to fine people £200 if they do not wear a mask, doubling each time to £400 then £800, up to a maximum of £6,400
But supermarkets Iceland and the Co-op have said they won't enforce the rule due to the fear of abuse their staff may receive if they challenge people.
And now retailer Argos, which is owned by Sainsbury's, has give its latest update on the situation.
Chief executive of Argos Simon Roberts said in an email to shoppers: "From Tuesday, November 30, everyone in England must wear a face covering when shopping or working in our stores, unless they are exempt.
"Throughout the week we’ll be putting new signs and posters up in all of our stores. We continue to thoroughly clean customer areas and checkouts and, as an extra precautionary measure, we have increased the fresh air circulating to make sure our stores are well-ventilated.
"We will of course also make sure there is plenty of hand sanitiser available as you come in and out of our shops.
"We are doing everything we can to keep everyone safe this festive season – thank you for your ongoing support."
Meanwhile, not all supermarkets have yet been explicit about whether or not the staff in their stores will refuse to serve customers who refuse to wear a mask, but all say that they have policies in place to ensure the safety of customers.
In a statement, a Tesco said: “As we have throughout the pandemic, we are continuing to follow Government guidance to ensure the safety of our customers and colleagues. From Tuesday 30th November, it is a legal requirement to wear a face covering in our stores unless exempt in line with Government guidance.”
The Sainsbury's CEO sent an email to customers this morning that said: "From today, everyone in England must wear a face covering when shopping or working in our stores, unless they are exempt.
"Throughout the week we’ll be putting new signs and posters up in all of our stores and we will have greeters and security guards at the front of our supermarkets to support our colleagues as we help everyone get used to the new rules."
A Morrisons spokesman said: "We will be following all updated government guidelines to keep our customers and colleagues safe."
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