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Aldi shares urgent message with shoppers about new face mask rules

Changes come into effect on Friday…

Published

4 years ago

July 22, 2020

Alex Watson

David Clark / Geograph

Aldi has sent out an email update to customers regarding the new face mask rule coming into place this Friday.

From July 24th shoppers in England are required to wear a face-covering while shopping and can be refused entry if they do not.

Despite the clear guidelines, some shoppers have been left confused.

Aldi has issued an update to shoppers via email on how the rules will work in its stores.

In accordance with the recent government announcement, from the 10th July, it will be mandatory for all customers (with certain exceptions) shopping in our Scottish stores to wear a face covering for the duration of their visit. We thank you for your cooperation. pic.twitter.com/qkjFlsigir
— Aldi Stores UK (@AldiUK) July 9, 2020

The email reads:

“Last week, the Government announced that face coverings will be compulsory in shops in England from 24th July and, for that reason, you will need to wear a face covering to enter one of our stores from this date.

“If you wish to purchase a face covering, they are available to buy at every Aldi store in the UK.

“Even as the country opens up again, I know many are concerned about safety and do not want the steps we are taking to move forward, to mean we take a step backwards in the fight against the virus. It is crucial that we all continue to act safely and responsibly, while also enjoying the little parts of normal life that are gradually returning.

“That is why I want to reassure you that the comprehensive safety measures we put in place at our stores at the start of the pandemic are still very much in place – and will remain so for as long as they are necessary.”

Colleagues will be encouraged to prompt customers to comply with Government guidelines and we have also placed additional signage in store. We ask that shoppers respect the safety of our colleagues as well as other customers. Thanks – Steph
— Aldi Stores UK (@AldiUK) July 18, 2020

Like many other stores, Aldi put in place a whole range of safety measures. These include:

A traffic light system at store entrances to accurately manage the number of people in stores at any one time
Protective screens at all 7,000 checkouts
Social distancing markers in store
NHS, blue light and vulnerable priority access hour
Clear signs throughout stores that advise customers on how to shop safely, in line with the latest Government guidance
Contactless payments increased to £45

Aldi’s CEO has urged shoppers to maintain a safe distance from each other, shop alone where possible and use contactless payments.

He added: “We know many of our customers will still need additional support as the coronavirus situation changes.

“To those vulnerable customers, please rest assured that the measures we have introduced to give you safe access to affordable food, such as early opening times from Monday to Saturday, will continue and our home delivery grocery parcels are still available to purchase.

“We are also trialling an on-demand grocery home delivery for the first time in partnership with Deliveroo to help those who cannot currently visit our stores.”