* UK is concerned about the spread of the virus in supermarkets
* Concerned about the number of people who don’t wear masks in stores (adds Sainsbury’s statement)
By James Davey
LONDON, Jan. 11 (Reuters) – British retailers have asked the police to help enforce the use of masks to limit the spread of COVID-19, with two of the largest supermarkets saying on Monday they would challenge people who broke the rules.
With the number of infections increasing dramatically, the UK government has expressed concern about the spread of the virus in supermarkets, with people breaking the rules by not wearing masks when shopping.
Non-essential retail, restaurants and bars are closed across Britain, leading to a high level of demand for supermarkets and other food stores.
“People need to follow directions in supermarkets, they need to keep their distance, make sure they are wearing masks, do the right thing,” Prime Minister Boris Johnson told reporters.
Morrisons Chief Executive David Potts said the supermarket is tightening the rules.
“Those who receive a face cover and refuse to use it will not be allowed to shop in Morrisons unless they are medically exempt,” he said. “Our storemates are working hard to feed you and your family, please be kind.”
Subsequently, Sainsbury’s took similar measures, saying it would send security guards to challenge people who were not wearing masks and ensure that people did not buy in groups.
The British Retail Consortium (BRC), which represents more than 170 large retailers, including large supermarket groups, asked the police to do more after the team’s interventions led to a sharp increase in abuse incidents.
“While applying facial coverage is the responsibility of the police, retailers continue to do what they can to encourage their use in stores,” said Andrew Opie, director of food and sustainability at BRC.
“Unfortunately, this has led to a sharp increase in incidents of violence and abuse against store workers, which is why it is essential for the police to support the work being done by retailers.”
Opie also said that data from the government’s Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) highlighted that retail was a safe environment and noted that companies spent hundreds of millions of pounds on security measures, including perspex screens, additional cleaning and social distancing.
“Supermarkets continue to follow all safety guidelines and customers should rest assured that supermarkets are protected by COVID and can be visited during the blockade and afterwards,” he said. (Reporting by Guy Faulconbridge, James Davey and Alistair Smout; Editing by Michael Holden, David Evans and Peter Cooney)
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