Asda will be taking tough action on shoppers who break the face mask rules 

Asda has revealed it will be recruiting marshals to ensure customers are abiding by the rules, to keep customers and staff safe in-store. 

Shoppers and staff now have to wear face coverings in supermarkets by law, and face a £200 fine from the government for breaking the rules. 

There will now be over 1,000 new marshals across Asda stores to remind people of the rules and ensure shopper safety. 

The marshals will be on hand to answer questions from customers as well as reminding them to wear face coverings and maintain social distancing throughout their shop. 

The marshals will be present at store entrances and will be providing sanitised baskets and trolleys to customers.

They will also have disposable masks on hand for those who forget, which customers will have to pay for with the rest of their shopping.

Chief operating officer for Asda, Anthony Hemmerdinger, said: “We know that safety remains a key priority for our customers and we will continue to do all we can to keep them and our colleagues safe in store, as we have since the start of the pandemic.

“These additional measures will make our stores an even safer place to shop and work during the coming months.”

Asda has also announced it will be using a new protective coating on basket and trolley handles that is used in the NHS Nightingale Excel hospital.

Additionally, they will be putting in place more hand sanitising stations in busy sections of all stores.

Asda is implementing these new rules as well as the current measures already in place, which includes perspex screens at checkouts, social distancing signs and regular deep cleaning regimes.