Sainsbury’s has given an update on the wearing of face masks inside its shops - and it affects anyone who works or shops there.
From this Thursday (January 27) those living in England will no longer be required by law to wear a face covering.
This is because the country is moving from “Plan B” of its efforts against Covid to “Plan A” following the success of the booster rollout.
However, the use of face masks will still be recommended in some settings.
For example, it is advised that you still wear one in crowded places where you may come into contact with people you don’t normally mix with.
Face masks will still required by law in shops and most public settings in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
But ahead of the new rules coming into force in England, supermarket giant Sainsbury's says it is recommending all shoppers and staff wear a covering unless they are medically exempt.
It said: "Safety remains our highest priority. From Thursday, we’re asking our customers and colleagues in England to continue to wear a face covering in our stores if they are able to.
"In Scotland and Wales face coverings remain mandatory for those who can wear them in our stores, in line with the latest Government restrictions.
"We continue to have a range of safety measures in all of our stores, including screens and sanitising stations."
The Mirror has contacted Asda, Morrisons and Tesco to check their face mask guidance in England and we’ll update this article when we get a response.
Do you agree with wearing a face mask in supermarkets? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
People have had to wear face coverings in certain indoor settings - including public transport - since the introduction of "Plan B" in December.
Other measures that will no longer be required from this Thursday in England as the country moves to "Plan A" include the use of Covid passes.
Indoor venues of more than 500 people like nightclubs and other late-night venues - as well as outdoor events for more than 4,000 people - have all needed an NHS Covid pass to be shown upon entry.
The same has gone for any event with over 10,000 attendees.
Venues can use their own discretion and request entrants show a pass if that is their preferred policy even beyond this Thursday in England.
Work from home guidance, which has dominated the working lives of many since well before Christmas, was lifted last week.
School children in England are also no longer required to wear masks in classrooms, with them having worn them since coming back to school after Christmas.
