Waitrose in Milton Keynes introduces new measures to protect customers during coronavirus lockdown

Waitrose has today backed the Government’s plea for social distancing by announcing a set of strong, new measures to help its customers shop safely.

The measures include limiting customer numbers, introducing ‘safe distance’ floor signage, ‘two-metre marshalls’ to help manage queues, protective screens at checkouts, additional security and encouraging contactless shopping.

Limiting customer numbers in shops - Waitrose will begin to limit the number of customers allowed in at any one time, Shop managers will use their judgment on customer numbers and when the shop is at capacity to manage social distancing will operate a one in, one out policy.

The first hour opening will be dedicated to elderly and vulnerable customers and those caring for them and NHS staff will continue to be given priority checkout service.

Two-metre marshals - Marshals will manage queues outside shops and if necessary remind customers to respect the two-metre social distancing rule.

Social distancing management in all shops: Floor signs will be introduced in all shops to ensure customers keep two metres apart when queueing at checkouts.

Checkout screens have been ordered to protect staff and customers from infected moisture droplets.

Special protective visors are also being ordered and will be available to staff.

There'll also be a drive to encourage more customers to shop in a cashless and contactless way to prevent unnecessary contact.