Talking Retail Grocery and product news for independent retailers
The move follows scientists blaming a lack of social distancing in stores for the rapid spread of the new strain of the virus. Under new plans local authorities will carry out more spot-checks to ensure supermarkets are operating one-way systems. In addition, stores will have to show they are capping the number of customers through their doors.
A government source told The Sun: “Last year, these businesses were very good at being Covid-secure. This isn’t happening now because supermarkets are very busy and it’s a real concern. We need to ensure everywhere that is open is secure.”
Another told Mail Online: “There is a feeling that people have just gone back to doing whatever they want, so local authorities will work with supermarkets and other places that are open to make sure they are still Covid-secure.
“That could well mean a return to capacity limits.”
Mark Drakeford, first minister of Wales, told the BBC that the Welsh government is in talks with stores about social-distancing measures.
He said: “Given the fact the new variant is so much easier to catch… we are looking at supermarkets and other places where people leave their homes, to make sure they are organised in a way that keeps their staff and customers safe.”
In response, one convenience retailer told the Talking Retail WhatsApp: “Supermarkets have got complacent and are just concentrating on getting people through the door, whereas we have left all the floor markings down and all the signage up, and have replaced the signage as it’s worn out.”
Bira has been reminding retailers to encourage customers to wear a face-covering while inside the shop – a requirement that became mandatory on 24 July – and to stock plenty of hand sanitiser, and restrict customer numbers in order to follow social distancing guidelines.
