BORIS Johnson has issued a new warning to shoppers, urging them to touch only what they’re going to buy in supermarkets to help stop the spread of coronavirus.
The Prime Minister made the warning in a press conference last night, in which he said the disease can be spread through handled goods.
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It is the first time Mr Johnson has warned against handling goods in stores.
Shoppers are already asked to stand at least one metre apart to help stop the spread of coronavirus, while stores are also limiting the number of people allowed inside at one time.
Face masks are also compulsory unless you’re medically exempt, with Tesco, Aldi, Morrisons and Sainsbury’s confirming people will be barred entry for breaking this rule.
The warning also comes as ministers consider banning all non-essential shops from offering the service during England’s third national lockdown.
Speaking in a press conference yesterday, Mr Johnson said: “This disease can be passed on not just by standing too near to someone in a supermarket queue, but also by handling something touched by an infected person.
“And remember one in three have no symptoms. Washing your hands now is as important as it has ever been.”
It came as:
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According to Gov.uk guidelines, it is “especially important to wash hands before handling food or eating”.
It goes on to add: “When you are buying loose foods such as fruit, vegetables, or bread in a bakery, try and only touch what you are going to buy.”
But the guidelines say you’re unlikely to catch coronavirus from food or packaging.
Asda has previously introduced “no touch” rules where customers are asked not to pick up items they’re not buying.
In a message on its website, Asda tells shoppers to “TOUCH LESS” and to “pick up only what you intend to buy”.
Aldi, meanwhile, asked customers to only touch trolleys that they intend to use in an update last year.
At the time, the supermarket didn’t have specific rules in place about touching food in stores.
Lidl had also temporarily removed self-service tongs from its fresh bakery section and instead pre-bagged items for shoppers.
Iceland had told customers they must buy any items they touch.
But it removed the guidance from its website in April 2020 after coming under fire from one paramedic who slammed the frozen food specialist for treating NHS staff like “lepers”.
Other shoppers online have raised concerns about what happens if they need to check labels for allergy information and use by dates before purchasing.
Tesco doesn’t have specific touch rules in place but the supermarket encourages hand washing after handling food and before you eat.
We’ve asked rival grocers – including Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Waitrose and M&S – if they have any touch rules in place and we’ll be updating this story.
All supermarkets have introduced coronavirus safety rules to keep customers safe, including increased cleaning of baskets and trolleys.
Other measures include plastic shields around checkouts, plus special opening hours or designated shopping times and discounts for NHS workers and the vulnerable and elderly.
In his update yesterday, the Prime Minister also confirmed ALL travel corridors will be scrapped from 4am this Monday, January 18.
It means anyone coming into the country will be ordered to isolate for 10 days – but people can still get a test on day five to be released.
It comes as at least two new strains from Brazil and South Africa have been identified which are even more easily spread – sparking panic among medics.
Andrew Opie, director of food and sustainability at the British Retail Consortium, said: “Sage data has always highlighted that retail is a safe environment.
“Supermarkets continue to follow all safety guidance and customers should be reassured that supermarkets are Covid-secure and safe to visit during lockdown and beyond.
“The FSA is clear that the risk of Covid-19 transmission through food or packaging is negligible.
“Nonetheless, customers should take established safety precautions – wear a face covering, do not touch your face, and wash your hands regularly.”
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This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk
