Waitrose ‘bans’ couples from shopping together because they clog up queues
WAITROSE is advising couples not to shop together in a bid to shorten queues during the coronavirus lockdown.
The supermarket chain on has asked that only one member of any household buy groceries, as the UK battles the COVID-19 outbreak.
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The rules have been put in place to protect shoppers and staff amid scenes of panic-buying and frustration since the COVID-19 outbreak across the UK.
The new measures come as the government warns even stricter social distancing rules could be put in place if cases continue to rise.
The “one customer per household” rule has been put in place across all of s 338 stores.
However, the supermarket told the Sun it is not an outright ban.
A spokesperson said: "In line with the Government’s guidance on social distancing we’re asking customers to help us manage the number of people in our shops - by sending only one member of the household to do their shopping, if they possibly can.
"While this won’t be possible for everybody, we are very grateful for our customers’ support in this difficult situation."
Customers have taken to social media to applaud the supermarket brand's new measures to make shopping less stressful.
One said: "As I waited outside after being told it was ‘one adult per household’ the way the staff engaged and boosted the public morale was inspiring. Applause to the unsung heroes!"
Another satisfied customer praised the friendly atmosphere at their store, saying: "I was welcomed by a free bunch of flowers at local Waitrose today.
"There was a corner with essential stuff for NHS workers.
"Moreover, the nice lady at the till was also a part-time NHS admin and we had a lovely chat that brightened my day. Thank you Waitrose."
Lidl, Morrisons, Aldi, Iceland and Sainsbury's have all installed protective screens for staff.
Meanwhile Waitrose has ordered screens and visors for its workers.
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Staff members at supermarkets are wearing gloves and plenty of hand-sanitisers are located near tills.
Meanwhile, chains such as Tesco and Sainsbury's are allowing 50 customers in to shop at any one time in larger stores.
And many, including Sainsbury's local and Tesco Express stores, have implemented a strict one-in-one-out rule.
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The rationing measures have been introduced as shoppers continue to stockpile during the UK's partial lockdown measures, while other chains introduced similar capping schemes in response.
It comes after rival brand Tesco said it's forcing customers to take just one item each of essentials such as milk, bread and eggs in selected Express stores.
Sainsbury’s has imposed a three-item cap on most products and a two-item limit on long-life milk, loo rolls and soap. Aldi has a four-item cap.