Face mask rules in supermarkets explained as Plan B restrictions end – what you need to know

SUPERMARKETS are set to allow customers to shop without a mask as Plan B restrictions end.

Government rules which made face coverings compulsory in supermarkets in England come to an end on Thursday, January 27.

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Store are expected to ease the requirement for customers to wear masks – with Sainsbury’s, Asda and more already confirming the imminent change.

But stores are still allowed to require customers wear face coverings if they want to – or, more commonly, request that customers wear a mask.

In Scotland and Wales, face masks remain mandatory in shops and public places.

And in Northern Ireland, shoppers must wear masks in stores, on public transport and in restaurants unless you’re sitting down.

Here are all the major supermarkets’ face mask rules and guidelines.

Sainsbury’s

Shoppers at Sainsbury’s will be requested but not required to wear face masks in stores from tomorrow (January 27) onwards.

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A Sainsbury’s spokesperson told The Sun “Safety remains our highest priority.

“We continue to have a range of safety measures in all of our stores, including screens and sanitising stations.”

Asda

Like Sainsbury’s, Asda will also not expect customers to wear face masks while shopping – but asks shoppers to “consider wearing one in crowded spaces”.

We’re told Asda will continue to have spare face masks available at the door in case you want one and forgot to bring your own.

Lidl

The budget supermarket hasn’t made clear exactly what its guidance will be from tomorrow.

But Lidl has previously asked customers to “consider” covering their faces in store during periods of eased Covid restrictions.

So you’ve got good reason to expect the same again.

Waitrose

Waitrose and John Lewis stores will continue to advise customers wear a mask while shopping, but will no longer recommend the practice.

A Waitrose & Partners spokesperson told us: “From Thursday 27 January, we’ll be suggesting people wear masks in our stores, although it will be down to individuals to make a personal choice.”

Tesco

Tesco has not yet confirmed what its face mask rules or guidance will be after Plan B restrictions are lifted.

We’ve asked the supermarket and will let you know when we get an answer.

But based on previous rule eases, Tesco is likely to suggest but not require shoppers wear a mask.

Morrisons

Morrisons has not announced what its face covering guidance will be from tomorrow onwards.

We’ve asked and will let you know as soon as we do.

However, it’s likely the store will recommend but not require customers wear a face covering in store.

Iceland

The frozen foods specialist courted controversy when Plan B restrictions were announced after the store’s CEO said staff will “not police” mask-wearing in stores.

From tomorrow, they will no longer need to as the requirement to wear a face covering will end.

It’s likely Iceland will ask but not expect its customers to wear a mask.

We’ve asked Iceland for confirmation and will let you know as soon as we hear.

Marks and Spencer

M&S hasn’t said what it will expect or recommend customers do when Plan A rules return tomorrow.

But when restrictions were eased last July, the supermarket said customers will be given the choice whether to wear a mask – and “encouraged” them to do so.

We can expect similar guidelines this time around.

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And keep up to date with the latest shopping advice and tips from The Sun.

This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk