Forum Topic

Waitrose - new entry and shopping rules

Just popped in and the lovely Security Guard, Mac, told me that from tomorrow the Marshall will be back on the door and only allowing so many people in at any given time and if anyone doesn't have a face mask or not wearing it properly they won't be admitted. Waitrose are clearly taking a sensible and safe view on shopping, for their staff and customers. Well done Waitrose !Suspect that all shops will be adopting this practice 👍

Loraine Pemberton ● 2228d13 Comments

Good for Waitrose and hopefully we will see an improvement in all stores, it's been mad through the summer.

Janice Evans ● 2228d

Hope so after my experience in Sainsbury’s Mortlake. Good news

Helen Bamberger ● 2228d

"Are you asking customers to wear face masks when they are shopping?From Friday 24 July 2020, in line with the new Government rule, we’re asking customers to wear a face covering while shopping with us. All customers apart from children under 11 (in our Scottish shops this is under the age of five), and those with certain health conditions who are exempt, should wear a face mask, scarf or other face covering. Please remember that not all disabilities are visible, so please be understanding of other shoppers who may not be able to follow this rule."https://www.waitrose.com/ecom/help-information/customer-service/coronavirus/in-storeSo no need to wear a mask if you are exempt.

Andy Riley ● 2228d

No, not at all. I was merely reporting what I was told by Mac the Security Guard.  Was trying to be informative and helpful.

Loraine Pemberton ● 2228d

Can anyone answer me this: why is there no mention at all from the medical experts, NHS, PM, shops, this forum, that if we are in a situation where we can't avoid going within 2 metres of someone then we must keep our mouth shut? Just for the couple of seconds until we are 2 metres apart. Surely if airborne virus is so very largely initiated through the mouth then keeping one's mouth shut would serve a useful purpose? Dare I say it would be a highly significant measure in combatting the virus?

James Petri ● 2227d

Would help, also some shops have markings on the floor by the check out where NOT to stand in order to keep a safe distance.... And yes there will always be one standing in the middle of it in a daze while you are trying to get to the other end to pack the shopping.

Janice Evans ● 2227d

ASDA have just advised  new measures: "The recent announcements from the Government have been a clear reminder that COVID-19 is still very present in our lives and that we must all stay focused on limiting the spread as much as we can. We know that safety remains a key priority for our customers and we want to reassure you that we will continue to do all we can to keep you and our colleagues safe – as well as let you know about some additional measures we have introduced in our stores to offer an enhanced level of protection. Face CoveringsWe have actively encouraged our colleagues to wear a covering by offering them a choice of disposable and reusable coverings and visors. Following the recent change in government guidance, all Asda store colleagues in England, Wales and Scotland will now wear a covering while at work unless they have a medical exemption.Asda Safety MarshalsOver the coming weeks we will introduce 1,000 new Asda Safety Marshals who will be stationed at the front of every store and in the aisles of our larger stores. These colleagues will be on hand to help you with safety queries and reiterate Government guidelines to wear a face covering and maintain social distancing whilst in our stores. If a customer does not have a covering when they enter the store, they will be offered a pack of disposable masks that they can pay for as they complete their shopping. These Marshals are in place to help keep everyone safe and should be treated with respect and courtesy as they carry out their duties.Hand Sanitising StationsIn addition to the numerous cleaning points already found throughout our stores, in the coming weeks we will be installing additional hand sanitising stations in the busiest sections of all stores to give you additional opportunities to clean your hands as you shop. For extra reassurance, we will be applying a protective coating to all our basket and trolley handles, creating an antimicrobial surface that prevents the spread of bacteria and viruses. The same coating technology (Bio Master X shield) is already used to kill bacteria and viruses in the NHS Nightingale Excel hospital.In-store Safety MeasuresThese new initiatives will further enhance the comprehensive safety measures we have implemented in our stores since the start of the pandemic – which include, Perspex screens at every checkout, clear social distancing signage throughout stores, and regular deep cleaning regimes."

Steve Taylor ● 2227d

Great that ASDA are increasing safety measures. But they are to be questioned on such phrases as "we will continue to do all we can to keep you are our colleagues safe...." the effect of which is to say there is nothing else they can do as they are already doing all they can. Instead of just saying "..all ASDA colleagues..will now wear a covering while at work unless they have a medical exemption" why not add that those colleagues will have been instructed not to talk or open their mouths until they have established a 2 metre distance from the nearest person? And with regard to the masks customers will receive if they have none on entry, why not ask them to take one out and wear it rather than merely asking them to pay for them on exit? Or am I missing something???

James Petri ● 2227d

From the WHO guidance on face coverings:"Potential harms/disadvantagesThe likely disadvantages of the use of mask by healthy people in the general public include:• potential increased risk of self-contamination due to the manipulation of a face mask and subsequently touchingeyes with contaminated hands;(48, 49)• potential self-contamination that can occur if nonmedical masks are not changed when wet or soiled. Thiscan create favourable conditions for microorganism to amplify;• potential headache and/or breathing difficulties, depending on type of mask used;• potential development of facial skin lesions, irritant dermatitis or worsening acne, when used frequently forlong hours;(50)• difficulty with communicating clearly;• potential discomfort;(41, 51)• a false sense of security, leading to potentially lower adherence to other critical preventive measures such asphysical distancing and hand hygiene;• poor compliance with mask wearing, in particular by young children;• waste management issues; improper mask disposal leading to increased litter in public places, risk ofcontamination to street cleaners and environment hazard;• difficulty communicating for deaf persons who rely on lip reading;• disadvantages for or difficulty wearing them, especially for children, developmentally challenged persons, thosewith mental illness, elderly persons with cognitive impairment, those with asthma or chronic respiratory orbreathing problems, those who have had facial trauma or recent oral maxillofacial surgery, and those living in hotand humid environments. "https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/when-and-how-to-use-masksGiven that few people follow the guidelines on handling, putting on and taking of these items I suggest that "potential increased risk of self-contamination due to the manipulation of a face mask and subsequently touchingeyes with contaminated hands" is a very real issue.Plus many will be spreading contamination by touching surfaces after fiddling with their masks.Based on the above, everyone should claim exemption.

Andy Riley ● 2227d

"From the WHO guidance on face coverings" surely the conclusion is that it is a good idea to not open one's mouth when within 2 metres of another person?

James Petri ● 2227d

I think not shouting might be a good message.  I've always yearned for a world where people talk less loudly.And perhaps on greeting, a slight bow would do rather than the ghastly hugging that people have adopted in recent years.

Andy Riley ● 2227d

"Or am I missing something???"No, I think you raise a good point about the medical exemption colleagues being instructed to keep their mouths closed etc.. With regards to masks handed to customers upon entry to the store,  I believe it was implied that the customer will have wear it and pay for it on exit. I don't know how they will police that though unless they provide them with a special Asda green mask so that the cashier can make them pay for it. But then what about the self service - will they be 'policed' to ensure it is paid for?  They will have to bend over to scan it because they aren't supposed to remove it from the face until they have exited the store.

Steve Taylor ● 2227d

Agree - and particularly apt if you are one of the three or four out of ten who at the moment is either choosing not to wear a mask or wearing it around your chin. I accept some people will be exempt but nowhere near in the number not complying.

Anne England ● 2227d