Asda to introduce new social-distancing measures including installation of Perspex screens

From tomorrow, (Wednesday, March 25) Asda has confirmed it will be implementing a range of social distancing measures to keep colleagues and customers two metres apart during essential visits to its shops.

The retailer says it has made limiting the spread of COVID-19 a key priority and has made a raft of changes to its operations, including markers on the floor to help customers keep their distance, directional barriers, additional signage and announcements.

The supermarket says it will also be limiting the number of customers in its stores, when necessary, to ensure social distancing guidelines can be maintained.

CEO and President Roger Burnley said: “It has never been more important for us to work together to keep our distance. I want you to know that everyone at Asda is working tirelessly to make sure you have the essentials your family needs and that you can shop in our stores safely if you need to visit us.

“We’re working hard to protect you and our colleagues – please help us to do so by following the guidelines in place.

“My colleagues in our stores are working under incredible pressure to serve you – and I am hugely grateful to them for their efforts. Please be kind to them when you visit us - we’re all in this together.”

Asda says it is deploying additional staff members at the front of its stores to greet customers and maintain safe numbers inside, with hand sanitiser available for customers to use when entering and departing.

It will also be installing Perspex screens at its checkouts, pharmacies and service desks to help minimise contact and closing every other ‘Scan and Go’ checkout to help maintain distance

Asda has also asked that customers touch only what they purchase and that they use cashless payment methods wherever possible.

The supermarket chain has nine stores in Sheffield, eight in Doncaster, two in Chesterfield, two in Worksop, two in Mansfield and one in Sutton-in-Ashfield.