Tesco changes its social distancing rules by removing one-way systems and increasing customer limits

TESCO has scrapped its one-way systems and increased the number of people allowed inside stores as it begins to ease its coronavirus restrictions.

The supermarket confirmed the changes to The Sun, saying it had reviewed its social distancing measures.

UK supermarkets were forced to introduce new rules to keep customers safe when the coronavirus crisis first hit.

This included only letting limited numbers of shoppers inside, one-way systems and telling all customers to keep two metres apart.

It comes after supermarket shelves were stripped empty of essential items, like loo roll and pasta, by panic-stricken buyers.

Tesco confirmed it is now easing some of these shopping restrictions for customers - it comes as the government continues to allow more businesses to reopen in a bid to keep the economy moving.

The supermarket will still monitor how many customers visit, but some stores are now allowing more people inside at one time.

The number of people each shop lets in is ultimately down to the manager, so capacity levels will vary.

Tesco also confirmed its one-way systems have been removed, although the supermarket will still ask customers to stay two metres apart.

They will still have floor markings in place to remind shoppers to social distance.

The government has recently slashed the social distancing rule, so that people must now stand at least one metre apart - although some businesses are sticking to two metres still.

In addition, Tesco has also increased its 80-item limit to 95 items, due to stock levels returning to normal.

Previously, the supermarket also had a purchase limit of three items per customer on the majority of items - but this was removed in April.

It still has a three-per-person limit on face coverings, plus online orders are limited to three items per customer on face coverings, antibacterial handwash, antibacterial wipes, flour, and eggs.

Some supermarkets have also started getting rid of their dedicated NHS and vulnerable shopper hours, including Iceland.

In Tesco, elderly and vulnerable shoppers still get priority access on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 9am until 10am.

Tesco has over 3,400 supermarkets across the UK.

The Sun has asked the other supermarkets - including Aldi, Morrisons, Sainsbury's and Waitrose - if they've started easing their coronavirus measures and we'll update this article when we know more.

Asda told us their rules are still the same, including its one-way systems.

Meanwhile, Tesco's Express and Metro stores have returned to their usual opening times - typically open between 6am or 7am until 11pm or midnight.

During the coronavirus lockdown, Tesco reduced the opening hours to 6am until 10pm to help staff stock up shelves.

It also started closing its larger 24-hour stores at 10pm for the same reason.