Shoppers warned they will have to wear a mask when they go into Milton Keynes' superstores

Supermarket chains Morrisons and Sainsbury's have announced tighter restrictions and plans for greater enforcement to ensure customers not wearing masks are refused entry, unless they have a medical exemption.

Both stores have announced plans to ban all customers who enter their stores without face coverings, with Sainsbury's also implementing a shop alone rule to avoid large groupings in a further attempt to try and stop the spread of the coronavirus.

With the UK now in a third national lockdown following the Prime Minister Boris Johnson's announcement on January 6 tougher restrictions in the these shops are expected to remain until mid-February.

Whilst other major supermarkets in Milton Keynes haven't announced banning orders like Sainsbury's and Morrisons here's what's expected of you when shopping in these major stores, and the safety measures they've taken to help you feel safe when shopping.

Morrisons

Morrison's has strengthened its mask policy they will be refusing entry to those not wearing a mask and asking those to leave who manage to enter a store without one.

Chief executive David Potts said: "Those who are offered a face covering and decline to wear one won’t be allowed to shop at Morrisons unless they are medically exempt. Our store colleagues are working hard to feed you and your family, please be kind.”

NHS workers are given priority when the stores first open at 6am on Monday to Saturday and at 9:30am on Sundays prior to the store opening to the wider public.

Sainsbury's

Sainsbury's will be using security guards to make sure no-one enters one of their sites without a mask as well as a shop alone policy.

Perspex safety screens are already in place between checkouts, along with hand sanitiser stations, signs for social distancing, additional cleaning in stores and queuing systems outside of stores will be implemented during busy periods.

Elderly and vulnerable customers will have priority for online delivery slots, as well as entry to stores from 8am to 9am on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. NHS staff and care workers still have priority entry from 7.30am to 8am between Monday and Saturday.

Aldi

Aldi has put a traffic light system in place and is encouraging shoppers to pick quieter times to do their shopping, typically between 7pm and 10pm.

NHS and emergency service staff will be given priority access to the store and Aldi is advising people to make use of its new click and collect service, which is available in more than 200 stores.

Tesco

Tesco has introduced a traffic light system to help limit the number of people in some stores during busy periods, and will operate a ‘one in, one out’ rule to maintain social distancing.

Hand sanitiser and cleaning stations are in place around stores, and packs of face masks will be available to buy at some entrances which can be opened immediately and paid for with shopping later.

The supermarket is also continuing its dedicated hours for vulnerable customers, as well as NHS, emergency service and care workers.

Asda

Extra security staff and safety marshals will be on duty at the entrance of each store and a traffic light system will be used to ensure a safe number of people can shop at any one time, while maintaining social distancing.

Protective screens are in place at all checkouts and sanitisation stations will be located in stores, along with social distancing markers.

Contactless payments are encouraged, with a limit of £45, and NHS, Blue Light and vulnerable customers will have priority access at specific times.

Marks & Spencer

Marks & Spencer has introduced a new Sparks Book & Shop service to allow shoppers to skip the queues and reserve a slot that suits them.

The service means you can queue virtually and arrive for a pre-booked 30 minute shopping slot without having to wait.

Customers can also use the M&S app and select contactless delivery to their door, or use the free click and collect service at more than 600 stores.