Supermarket sign encouraging shopping alone and face coverings

Dark green Waitrose sign with a graphic of a person wearing a face covering reading ‘Please wear a face covering’, a graphic of footprints reading ‘Keep a safe distance’ and a graphic of a person holding a basket reading ‘Please shop alone to help others’, with text reading ‘Staying safe together, We’re working hard to protect our customers and Partners by: - Monitoring the number of people in our shops; - Asking that only one customer per household visits if possible; - Reminding you that its now mandatory to wear a face covering in store unless you’re exempt; - Requesting that you keep a safe distance from others; - Cleaning all baskets and trolleys after use’

During the first national lockdown, where possible, people were encouraged to shop alone to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Staying at least two metres apart and not socialising with anyone you did not live with was the strictest version of social distancing in England. People were reminded of the rules by signs and by staff. It is estimated that spending more than 15 minutes within two metres of a person with COVID-19 can pass on the virus.

In England face coverings were first advised in May 2020, followed by mandatory wearing in June 2020 on public transport, unless exempt. Face covering rules were widened to most public places by August 2020. On 18 July 2021, face coverings were no longer mandatory, but rules turned on 30 November 2021, as COVID cases began to rise. By April 2022, face coverings were no longer required by law, but many places continue to recommend them including healthcare providers.