ASDA has put in place rules that shoppers need to follow after England was plunged into a third coronavirus lockdown earlier this month.
Opening times might vary from what customers are used to, and if you’re ordering online, a number of changes will have been made to the way you’ll be able to shop.
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Here’s what you need to know ahead of doing your big shop.
When are Asda branches opening and closing?
Asda introduced early closures during the first lockdown so staff could restock shelves and clean stores.
The supermarket temporarily reduced its normal opening hours for most stores to 8am to 10pm Monday to Saturday.
It also temporarily closed its 24 hour stores.
But during this lockdown, opening times will vary from store to store.
For example, Asda Leamington Spa is open from 7am to 11pm during weekdays, whereas Asda Rugby is open from 6am to 10pm over these days.
Some stores are also back to running 24 hours on some days, such as Asda Park Royal, which is open 24 hours from Tuesday to Friday.
It’s best to check in with your local store for exact opening times using Asda’s store locator tool.
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Does Asda have any special opening hours?
Asda put in place priority shopping hours for NHS staff, carers and care workers every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8am to 9am in larger stores during the first lockdown.
It also allocated Sundays from 9am to 10am for browsing.
These priority shopping times are still being offered over lockdown three.
However, some shops might not be running browsing times on a Sunday, so it’s best to check ahead with your local store.
Asda has no dedicated hours set for the elderly and vulnerable who wish to shop in store.
However, it has created a special Volunteer Shopping Card for those shopping for these groups.
When is the best time to shop there?
Google has a tracker which allows you to see when the peak times are.
If you search for “Asda” and then click on your nearest store, it will show a bar chart of when the store’s busiest times are.
What should I buy when I’m there?
The Government and supermarkets have urged shoppers not to panic buy or stockpile.
Asda is also advising customers not to touch items unless you’re planning to buy them.
We have compiled a list of what the best items are to get for a two week shop now that Brits are being urged to stay at home.
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Is there a limit on items?
During the first lockdown, the supermarket only allowed customers to purchase a maximum of three items covering all food, toiletries and cleaning products.
Asda has said that it may occasionally place limits on certain products that are high in demand to ensure there is enough to go round.
Can I order online?
Asda is open for online shopping, with free deliveries on orders over £40, and free click and collect on orders over £25.
But the store has had to make some changes to the way shoppers order because of a spike in demand for the service.
Shoppers flocked online at the beginning of the third lockdown, which resulted in customers claiming delivery slots were “running out”.
If you’re having trouble booking a delivery, Asda has recommended to check in regularly as it works to increase the number of slots available.
The store is also providing its most vulnerable shoppers with a Priority Pass to help book home deliveries.
These passes are available to use until March 31.
Asda is getting in touch directly with customers to offer these cards.
What about click and collect?
Yes, you’ll still be able to use Asda’s click and collect service.
You can pick up your shopping for free from your local store the next day if you spend £25 or more.
You’ll still be able to use the service in Scotland too.
Although Nicola Sturgeon has toughened up click and collect rules, you can still use this service if you are shopping for essential items.
How is Asda enforcing social distancing rules?
Asda is taking the following steps to comply with government social distancing advice:
- Asda will refuse entry to customers who do not cover their nose and mouth while shopping.
- Shoppers have been ordered to keep two metres away from each other and staff.
- Customers are requested to make contactless payments wherever possible and only touch items they intend to buy.
- Customers with a continuous cough, temperature or shortage of breath are asked not to enter Asda stores.
- Hand sanitiser, equipment cleaning materials and disposable gloves have been made available to online delivery drivers.
- Delivery drivers will maintain a 2m distance at all times while delivering your shopping.
- Floor markings have been placed 2m apart across checkouts, self-scan, kiosks, pharmacy, optical and service desks to help customers observe social distancing.
- The number of customers in stores is limited at any one time so social distancing can be observed.
- All in store and online delivery workers are supplied with hand sanitiser. Additionally, checkout and online delivery colleagues are given gloves, while pharmacy and optical colleagues are supplied with face masks to wear during consultation when required to be within 2 metres of a patient.
- Perspex screens will be introduced at checkouts and kiosks to protect checkout staff.
Crowd of shoppers panic-buy toilet roll in Asda on Old Kent Road due to coronavirus fears
This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk
