Plastic screens will soon be fitted at the checkouts in a number of Co-op stores and supermarkets across Nottinghamshire.
Central England Co-op said the screens will be installed to protect customers and colleagues from any potential exposure to the covid-19 virus which has now infected 149 people across the county.
The retailer also said bread from the bakery will also no longer be unwrapped.
Co-op has also reduced opening hours to allow employees to clean and replenish stock, while also giving them more time to rest at home.
To say 'thank you' for the committed efforts of those in-store, the supermarket retailer also said it had brought forward its annual share of profits and increased discount for staff.
Central England Co-op chief executive Debbie Robinson said: “Our colleagues and key workers are doing everything they can to ensure our communities continue to be supported during this uncertain time.
“In the spirit of co-operation, we wanted to say thank you by giving them a little something to showcase our gratitude for their hard work and dedication.
“We also wanted to say welcome to all of our new colleagues who have joined in the past few days. Thank you and good luck in your new roles.
“If you’re able to say thank you to our colleagues and to key workers when you see them, we are sure they would really appreciate the support at this time. Please be kind and respectful to everyone around you.”
So far, 500 extra staff have been deployed across 16 counties in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
