Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Asda, Lidl, Aldi and Morrisons have revealed the rules in place for supermarkets under Tier 4 Covid restrictions. 

Boris Jonhson announced on Saturday new restrictions would cover London, the east of England and areas of the south east.

For those affected, Tier 4 is essentially a return to the full lockdown which ended in England on December 2.

And with many non-essential shops forced to close, people are relying on grocery stores even more.

In response to this, many supermarkets have revealed the rules in place to ensure customers are kept safe. 

Sainsbury’s

Sainsbury's said it is limiting shoppers to one person per trolley wherever this is possible.

Writing on Twitter, Sainsbury's wrote: "Our stores will be really busy coming up to Christmas.

"To help us maintain social distancing for customers and colleagues and reduce queues, please shop alone wherever possible."

To help those who can't get to the shopsl, they have also increased the number of home delivery and Click and Collect slots available.

Elderly and vulnerable customers still have priority access to online orders, which will continue to be delivered without bags.

Tesco

Tesco is still operating their traffic light system to help manage the flow of people and they have encouraged shoppers to go to their stores alone if they can.

The supermarket is also continuing its dedicated hours for vulnerable and elderly customers and is also giving new priority access to NHS, emergency service and care workers.

Bosses have urged people not to panic buy after the Prime Ministers new rules were announced on Saturday.

News Shopper: People queue at a distance outside TescoPeople queue at a distance outside Tesco (Image: File photo)

A source for Tesco told the Telegraph: “We will not run out of food.

"There is no reason to panic buy.

“There are the same number of shoppers out there as there were before any new announcement and we have enough stock to supply them all, even if more now come into our stores because online delivery slots are full.”

Asda

ASDA has introduced virtual queueing so their customers don’t have to wait outside in the cold.

By scanning a QR code from posters at the stores, shoppers can queue on their phone, rather than in person.

Asda also has additional security staff over the festive period between December 19 and 24 to manage queues.

Lidl

Lidl has still got plenty of safety restrictions in place, including newly introduced disposable gloves in the bakery section so people can bag loose items

There are also cough and sneeze proof screens installed at each checkout and cleaning stations.

Aldi

Aldi also has trolley and basket cleaning stations in all stores, as well as social distancing markers on the floor.

Entry may be limited at busy times, while there are Perspex screens installed around till points to protect customers.

Morrisons

Morrisons have been encouraging customers to book food shop deliveries in advance for their Christmas shopping.

They also have next-day doorstep delivery for self-isolating or vulnerable customers.

Morrisons says: "If you are isolating, please add this information to your delivery instructions so our driver can organise with you how to best deliver your order.

"We are increasing production where possible so that we can service the high levels of customer demand we are currently seeing. Please be patient and continue to check the website for our latest range.

"Thank you for your patience and consideration whilst shopping with us in these uncertain times.

"Our colleagues - and fellow customers - are facing the same pressures as you, and really appreciate your understanding and respect in these testing times.

"Thank you to our customers for your ongoing support as we work through the below challenges to our usual service."

Who is in Tier 4?

Affected areas include Kent, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Surrey (excluding Waverley), the boroughs of Gosport, Havant, Portsmouth, Rother and Hastings, all 32 London boroughs and the city of London.

Bedford, Central Bedfordshire, Milton Keynes, Luton, Peterborough, Hertfordshire and Essex (excluding Colchester, Uttlesford and Tendring) are also Tier 4.