Sainsbury’s tells people to shop alone during lockdown as it changes its in-store rules

Sainsbury’s has issued a message to shoppers, asking them to shop alone throughout the national lockdown.

As part of their response to the increases in panic buying, Sainsbury’s released a statement on its website.

It reads: “We have limited the number of people in our stores and at our ATMs at any one time.

“We have also put queuing systems in place outside stores and ask you to queue at a safe distance of two metres apart.

“This means couples will not be allowed to shop together and families should only enter stores with each other if children are not able to stay at home.”

Other supermarkets have also introduced measures to prevent panic-buying, as well as priority access for NHS staff and teachers at Morrisons.

You can now also get involved with Sainsbury’s new charity scheme aimed to help isolated and vulnerable people in the run up to Christmas by donating cash or items.

You can also donate online by added a donation of £1, £2, £5 or £10 to you order with the all cash donated between December 1st and 14th being matched by the chain. 

Simon Roberts, chief executive of Sainsbury’s, said: “This year has presented unexpected challenges for many of our colleagues and customers and we are committed to doing everything we can to help feed the nation and make sure that no family goes hungry over the festive season.

“We are proud to work with our food donation partners all year round to provide vital support to the communities we serve, but they need our help now more than ever.

“We invite our customers and colleagues to give what they can and we will match all donations, doubling the value of every customer contribution.

“This is also a challenging time for our colleagues who are serving our customers day in, day out on the front line.

“In recognition of all of the fantastic work those frontline colleagues and managers have done and continue to do, they will be awarded a thank you payment in time for Christmas.

“I hope this goes some way to showing our gratitude for all of their hard work and commitment.”

Find your nearest Sainsbury’s here.