Supermarkets all over Milton Keynes race to introduce infection-busting precautions

Sainsbury’s, Asda, Marks & Spencer and Waitrose are today limiting the number of shoppers in stores at any one time.

When people queue outside, they are instructed to stand at least two metres apart - and it is up to the individual stores to manage this.

Waitrose, Lidl, Asda, Sainsbury's and Morrisions are among a number of retailers installing special perspex screens between staff and customers at check out areas.

The Co-op is only be using every other till point or checkout to keep customers and colleagues a safe distance apart.

Marks & Spencer is installing 'sneeze guards' at tills and has arranged for trolleys, baskets, screens and all touch points to be cleaned every hour.

Asda, from today, is asking shoppers to only touch items they intend to purchase. The store is also offering hand sanitiser at the entrance and exit of stores.

Several stores are installing special markings at least one metre away from checkouts. If a customer needs to enter this area to place down a basket or use the keypad, staff are instructed to move backwards to maintain a safe distance.

All shoppers are urged to use contactless card payments when possible to avoid cash changing hands and possibly speading germs.

Most food outlets are still placing restrictions on how many high demand items each customer can buy.