Tesco has introduced six major new measures across its stores amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
With new social distancing rules in place, a number of supermarkets have taken new steps to
However, as the crisis continues to develop, Tesco has made changes to some of its initial measures, including relaxing its restrictions on the majority of products.
CEO Dave Lewis announced the changes in an email sent to all Tesco customers, as reported by The Mirror.
He described the pandemic as "unthinkable" and the current time period as "difficult for everyone".
Mr Lewis also confirmed Tesco workers will see their staff discount increased to 15% for the next four weeks as well as a 10% bonus for staff across its stores, distribution and call centres.
Here are the changes that will affect customers:
One-way aisles
Tesco has introduced one-way aisles and a 'one-in, one-out' system across its stores.
Mr Lewis said: "As well as the measures we shared with you previously, we’re introducing one-way aisles and a ‘one-in, one-out’ system in stores.
"We’ve maintained longer opening hours to minimise potential queuing. Do ask your local store team for the quiet times."
Increase to contactless payments
The limit on contactless payments will start to move from £30 to £45 per shop. Tesco is gradually updating its tills, so the new measure will slowly be rolled out.
You can also use the free Tesco Pay+ app from Tesco Bank. The app has bank-level security built in and lets you pay for up to £250 worth of shopping with a single contactless scan directly from your phone.
Product restrictions removed
Tesco has announced that as it stock levels are starting to return to normal, it is removing the purchasing limits on the majority of its products.
Limits now only remain on essential items such as toilet rolls, pasta and hand sanitisers.
New delivery slots for vulnerable people
Over the last week Tesco has been given an initial list of 110,000 clinically vulnerable and isolated people by the Government.
From this list, Tesco has identified 75,000 existing customers who will now have home delivery slots created for them.
Tesco also says it is working through the list and as its teams receive more data from the Government, it will make even more slots available.
Quiet times
Tesco is advising customers to ask their local stores for the quietest times to visit to avoid queuing.
Although these times will differ from store to store, it will tend to be around an hour before closing.
Protective screens
You may find Tesco has altered its checkouts at your local store too as the retailer has now installed protective screens at the front and back of every till at the checkout, so that all checkouts can be open instead of every other one.
Tesco hopes this will prevent customers queuing then they absolutely have to during this crisis.
