Asda introducing Covid-19 safety marshals in Leeds supermarkets to enforce mask rules

The Asda Safety Marshals are to be stationed at the front of every store, including in Leeds, and in the aisles of larger stores.

Bosses said they expect the staff to be able to help shoppers with safety questions and to reiterate Government guidelines.

If customers are not wearing masks in store, they will be told they can buy a pack of disposable masks and pay for them as part of their shopping trip.

Extra hand sanitiser stations will be provided in the busiest parts of the stores and protective coatings will be applied to all basket and trolley handles.

Following the recent change in Government guidance, all Asda store colleagues in England, Wales and Scotland will now wear a covering while at work unless they have a medical exemption, the supermarket added.

Anthony Hemmerdinger, chief operating officer at Asda, said: “We know that safety remains a key priority for our customers and we will continue to do all we can to keep them and our colleagues safe in store, as we have since the start of the pandemic.

“These additional measures will make our stores an even safer place to shop and work during the coming months.”

The move comes after rival Morrisons said it had reinstated marshals on the doors of its 494 supermarkets.

Supermarkets were granted “essential” status during the lockdown in March, leading to long queues and strict social distancing, although over time the rules were relaxed and enforcement reduced.

What new measures have been introduced?

Boris Johnson has announced a host of new coronavirus restrictions for England to combat the sharp rise in cases.

The Prime Minister told MPs that the measures could last for six months, as he warned the UK was at a “perilous turning point” in its fight against the virus.

Here is a look at the key changes Mr Johnson announced in the House of Commons.

– Work from home

The Prime Minister said office workers who can work from home should now do so. But people in key public services – and professions where home working is not possible, such as retail or construction – should continue to attend their workplaces.

– Hospitality curfew

Pubs, bars and restaurants will be forced to close at 10pm each night from Thursday and must operate table service only, except for takeaways. The Prime Minister said it means “closing, and not just calling for last orders”.

– Face coverings in taxis

Passengers travelling in private hire vehicles or taxis will have to wear face coverings from 12.01am on Thursday. Face coverings are already mandatory on public transport and in transport hubs.

– Face coverings in retail and hospitality

Retail staff must wear face coverings from 12.01am on Monday. Staff and customers in indoor hospitality will also be required to wear face coverings, except when seated at a table to eat or drink.

– Rule of six tightening

Indoor sport will no longer be exempt from the rule of six. It means that indoor adult team sports involving more than six people – such as five-a-side football – will be banned from Thursday.

– Weddings

The maximum number of people able to attend wedding ceremonies and receptions will be reduced from 30 to 15 from Monday. Up to 30 can still attend a funeral.

– Spectators at sports venues

The planned return of spectators to sports venues will now not go ahead from October 1. Mr Johnson said the spread of the virus was also affecting the ability to reopen business conferences and exhibitions.

– Tougher penalties

The penalty for failing to wear a mask or breaking the rule of six will double to £200 for a first offence. Fines of up to £10,000 for those who fail to self-isolate have already been introduced.

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