A crowd of "selfish" shoppers organised a mask-free shopping trip to Tesco with no social distancing as part of a protest.
The customers have been slammed for their actions after footage of the incident was posted on social media.
The footage shows a group shopping together with no face coverings and standing closely at the Tesco branch in Chelmsford, reports the Mirror.
A Twitter account called 'Lawyers for Liberty' posted the clip which captured shoppers carrying baskets and pushing trolleys next to a Tesco employee who is wearing a face covering.
Some of the customers can then be seen stopping to chat in what appears to be the wine aisle.
A Tesco spokesperson said: “Since the start of the pandemic, we have focused on ensuring everyone can get the food they need in a safe environment.
“To protect our customers and colleagues, we won’t let anyone into our stores who is not wearing a face covering, unless they are exempt in line with Government guidance.
"We are also asking our customers to shop alone, unless they’re a carer or with children. To support our colleagues, we will have additional security in stores to help manage this.”
Social media users reacted with horror at the footage, with one commenting: "Always find it funny how these people always wait until the lowest infection rate in a spike before doing daft stuff like this.
"I mean, you never see these 'protests' on a day with 45k+ infections. Stop mistaking being bored for being oppressed."
Another said: "Honestly you'd think it would kill them to wear a mask for a few minutes. Instead of a tiny inconvenience they risk their own lives and long term health and of those they come into contact with in passing or meet every day."
While one commented on the 'selfishness' of not wearing a mask near the Tesco employee who is.
They wrote: "If you look at the poor guy stacking the shelves, he is the only one with any sense and is wearing a mask. Those selfish mothers, should have at least felt guilty seeing him."
It is understood police attended the store in relation to the unmasked shoppers.
Essex Police have been contacted for comment.
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