Many people are wearing face masks when heading out in public, including when they go to the supermarket.
In light of this, the government released some advice on when members of the public should wear them.
In a document released on May 11, the guidance said people should wear them in enclosed spaces where social distancing isn't possible.
"If you can, wear a face covering in an enclosed space where social distancing isn’t possible and where you will come into contact with people you do not normally meet.
“This is most relevant for short periods indoors in crowded areas, for example on public transport or in some shops," the document states, Kent Live reports.
In response, UK trade association the British Retail Consortium (BRC), released a follow up statement with its interpretation of the guidance.
Andrew Opie, director of food & sustainability at the BRC said: "Retailers do not require customers to wear face coverings in-store.
"Government guidance states that people should “wear a face covering in enclosed spaces where social distancing is not always possible and they come into contact with others that they do not normally meet.
"Shops can only open if they enforce social distancing measures, which has been the case in thousands of stores who have stayed open.”
In light of this, Kent Live approached leading supermarkets for their view on shoppers and workers wearing face coverings.
Aldi
Aldi has said it is up to the individual customer to decide whether or not to wear a face covering but they are available for staff.
A spokesman said: "In line with government guidance, face masks are being provided for colleagues to wear if they choose to”.
Co-Op
A spokesman said: "The use of face coverings is not mandatory in our stores as we continue to follow government guidance and encourage rigorous social-distancing measures in our stores.
"We have introduced floor markers and we’ve closed some till points to help encourage safe distances and we’re limiting the number of customers in stores at busy times.
"These measures along with good hygiene and the implementation of protective ‘sneeze’ screens at checkouts, are ways we can keep our customers and colleagues safe.
"Face coverings are available to our frontline colleagues.”
Lidl
Lidl says they have introduced face visors and masks for staff working on the shop floor to use, should they wish.
Asked about their policy for customers, Lidl referred to the above statement from the British Retail Consortium.
Tesco
Tesco says they have been closely following the Government guidance and that staff and customer safety is their top priority.
Highlighting the guidance that face masks should be worn in enclosed places where social distancing isn't possible, they said they have implemented a range of social distancing measures in their stores to ensure everyone can maintain a safe distance.
They say staff have access to face masks, gloves and face visors if they choose to wear them.
M&S
Marks & Spencer says it is a customer's individual choice if they wear a face covering or not.
Members of staff can choose whether or not to wear a face visor, which have reportedly been available since the beginning of April.
Sainsbury's
Asked about their position on customers wearing face coverings, Sainsbury's referred to the British Retail Consortium statement.
A spokesman said: "Masks are available for all our colleagues who wish to use them while they work or travel to their place of work.”
Staff members can also wear their own face masks or coverings if they choose to.
Iceland
Iceland says they have made face masks available for all store colleagues who want to wear one but it is up to them whether they wish to do so.
For their policy for customers, they referred to the statement from the British Retail Consortium.
Asda
Asda says it is a matter for customers to decide whether or not to wear a face mask.
A spokesman said: "We are complying with all Government guidelines and we welcome customers wearing face masks or not.
"Our colleagues all have the option of wearing face masks which we have supplied and the colleagues in clinical settings (pharmacy and optical) have been required to wear masks since the start of the pandemic as per the government guidelines on clinical workers."
