Supermarkets return to rules of first lockdown 

Shoppers are grappling with yet more coronavirus measures today as supermarkets bring in safety marshals and queuing apps as a new lockdown begins. 

The four-week winter lockdown has swept across England with non-essential retail, pubs and restaurants forced to close.

Asda has today announced a raft of new safety measures including safety marshals at the front of stores and in the aisles of larger stores who will remind customers to social distance and wear face masks.

It is also trialling a ‘safer queuing’ app that will see customers waiting in their cars before receiving a notification telling them they can enter the store.  

The supermarket giant has also put antimicrobial handles on basket and trolley handles, to ‘limit the spread of bacteria.’

Tesco has today assured customers it has ‘good availability’ and is encouraging people to ‘keep shopping as they normally would.’

Tesco stores have reintroduced a ‘one-in, one-out’ system with a three-item limit per customer on items including flour, dried pasta, baby wipes, anti-bacterial wipes, rice and canned veg.

Customers are limited to buying one pack of toilet roll after demand ‘significantly increased over the past week.’  

Supermarket bosses have reminded couples and families not to shop together amid the latest coronavirus lockdown, which came into force in England at midnight.  

Sainsbury’s and Tesco have banned couples and families from shopping together in a bid to aid social distancing measures ahead of England’s new winter lockdown. Pictured, Sainsbury’s supermarket at Colton, on the outskirts of Leeds today

Lockdown one and two: Above, people observing social distancing while queuing at a Sainsbury’s supermarket at Colton, on the first day of the first national lockdown on March 24. Below, a photo taken today, the first day of the second national lockdown in England

Panic buying: A man was left gobsmacked after spotting a fellow shopper buying trolley-loads of rice, pasta and crisps at an Aldi store in Lincoln ahead of the start of the new lockdown

As England nosedives into a second winter lockdown, it has emerged today: 

• Lockdown 2 hit hard as big business branded it ‘very déjà vu’ as they told staff to work from home – and wear masks everywhere except their desks if they had to go in;
• The Bank of England pumped another £150billion into the economy as lockdown began today – amid fears that it will send GDP plummeting and destroy jobs;
• Rishi Sunak is preparing to set out the Government’s business support package for the second national lockdown;
• The Archbishops of Canterbury and York have urged the public to shop normally during the second national lockdown; 
• Astonishing traffic was seen across the Capital last night, with queues at levels normally seen in the days before Christmas. There were 1,100 miles of jams in London alone at 6pm and the M25 was brought to a near-standstill.

Aldi, Morrisons and Tesco have previously shared details of priority shopping hours for the elderly and NHS workers, which look set to remain in place throughout the four-weeks of restrictions.

Sainsbury’s has today reminded customers to shop alone wherever possible in a bid to cut queues and aid social distancing inside its stores. 

In a statement, CEO Simon Roberts said: ‘Where possible, we ask that you only send one adult per household when you shop with us. 

‘This will help us manage the number of people in our stores and make your shop quicker and smoother.’

A notice on the supermarket’s website adds: ‘Our store teams will be asking groups with more than one adult to choose one adult to shop and will ask other adults to wait.

‘Children are welcome if they are not able to stay at home.’

Advice from Tesco currently asks that ‘only one person from each household comes in-store to do their shopping’. 

Those at Waitrose have taken a similar stance, asking customers to ‘help us manage the number of people in our shops by sending only one member of the household to do their shopping.’  

The guidance adds: ‘While this won’t be possible for everybody, we are very grateful for our customers’ support during this time of uncertainty.’ 

Queues of shoppers went around the massive Costco store in Lakeside, Essex, yesterday as customers stocked up before today’s lockdown

This advice was reintroduced this week after the supermarket relaxed its approach over the summer.    

Aldi is also encouraging customers to shop alone, with current advice stating: ‘In order to help with social distancing, we are encouraging all customers to try and reduce the number of family members they bring with them into our stores.  

‘Where necessary we are using discretion, but like all supermarkets we’re asking people to come alone if possible to support social distancing in our stores.’

This guidance has been in place throughout the pandemic in many of the aforementioned stores. 

Supermarkets across Britain first introduced measures banning multiple members of a family from shopping together in March, when Boris Johnson announced a draconian lockdown due to the growing pandemic. 

He unveiled a second lockdown for England on Saturday, which will come into force at midnight tonight and last for four weeks until December 2.

Under the rules, all but essential shops will close alongside restaurants, pubs, hairdressers and leisure centres.   

The furlough scheme that pays workers 80 per cent of their wages will be extended for a month, and travel outside the UK will be allowed only for ‘work’. 

Bare shelves at a Tesco superstore in Cambridge ahead of the national lockdown, as customers stock up on bread 

Mr Johnson said it was the the only way to avert bleak Sage predictions of 85,000 deaths this winter.

He warned it that happened it would force doctors to choose between saving Covid sufferers and those with other illnesses. 

News of the lockdown sparked a second bout of panic buying in British supermarkets, with stores forced to start rationing their products again after shoppers descended on shops en masse. 

Supermarkets have been urging people not to stockpile items, but customers appear to be taking no notice and are buying large amount of non-essential items and cupboard goods, just as they did back in March before the first national lockdown. 

Home delivery slots are also getting booked up, with many customers struggling to get slots and taking to Twitter to complain. 

A Tesco supermarket in Ely, Cambridgeshire, put limits on essential goods such as toilet rolls, flour and eggs on Tuesday. 

The shelves were also stripped bare in aisles at Asda in Cambridge and Tesco in Ely in Cambridgeshire a day earlier. 

Elysium Sexsmith said shelves of products such as pasta, toilet roll and nappies were cleared entirely in his local Lidl in Luton.

‘There was absolutely no stock on the shelves whatsoever,’ the 41-year-old musician said.

‘There’s kitchen towel but no toilet rolls… there were people picking up the kitchen rolls and wondering if they can use that.

‘I was in absolute disbelief, and I literally walked out of the shop shaking my head.

‘At this point in time it didn’t have a major impact on me… but there is the concern that I may not be able to get essential supplies in a week’s time if this carries on.’

Supermarkets have repeatedly encouraged shoppers not to stockpile, with Lidl’s website telling customers: ‘Our stores are being replenished every day.

‘That item you want to buy ‘just in case’, might be essential for someone more vulnerable who can’t visit the store multiple times.’

A Tesco spokesperson said: ‘We have good availability in stores and online, with plenty of stock to go round, and we would encourage our customers to shop as normal.’

Ratula Chakraborty, professor of business management at the University of East Anglia (UEA), said it is unclear how widespread the issue of panic buying is but it could ‘spiral out of control’ without intervention.

‘Unfortunately, some customers are going crazy in grabbing everything they can to put in their trolleys… in turn, this is encouraging copycat behaviour by other shoppers,’ she said.

‘The result is empty shelves and the possibility of panic buying spiralling out of control.

‘Shoppers will naturally think of their own needs and will fear losing out if they see other shoppers stockpiling.’ 

A UK Government spokesperson said: ‘As the Prime Minister said on Saturday, essential shops will remain open, so there is no need to stock up. Our message to everyone is that people should be considerate in the way they shop.

‘The UK has a highly resilient food supply chain which held up well in the spring, and will do so again.

‘We continue to work closely with food retailers and the food industry as we have done throughout the response to the coronavirus pandemic. They report no overall supply issues.’

Mark Hall, waste management specialist at Business Waste added: ‘The second wave of panic buying that is occurring is utterly disgraceful. During the first wave we saw tons of perishable goods being recklessly stockpiled to only go to landfill in the weeks after.

Shelves of toilet rolls are left bare after customers panic buy, despite the fact that food stores will remain open during England’s winter lockdown

‘There is no shortage of food or toilet paper as we learned from experience and we are only putting the pressure back on supermarket supply chains for no reason. We have to stop and think about the elderly and those who can only access their local shops for their weekly shop and stop panic buying.

‘If we continue to send food waste to landfill it will decompose, rot and produce methane, one of the most damaging greenhouse gasses. Food waste is best disposed of through anaerobic digestion and composting to minimise the harmful impact to the environment.’ 

The NEW Essentials: How Home Bargains, B&Q and Halfords and Hobbycraft will remain open or operate click-and-collect service over lockdown

By Dan Sales 

Craft and bargain stores are among those able to stay open or keep selling goods during the UK’s second lockdown – as new rules were revealed on the new breed of essential shops.

As tomorrow’s shutdown hurtled ever closer, businesses from across the nation today told how they would be able to keep going during the restrictions.

And among them were some – and perhaps surprising – new additions offering services they were unable to first time around.

In what could be shrewd move to help families bored at home, Hobbycraft is now offering a click and collect service for customers.

Hobbycraft is keeping up a click & collect service for customers during the second lockdown

Halfords is classed as an essential retail shop so is allowed to still stay open during November

Toolstation was open during the first lockdown and confirmed it would be the same this time

It told MailOnline today: ‘Stores in England will be closed from 8pm on November 4 and are scheduled to reopen on December 2.

‘Click & Collect will be available from stores in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

‘It is new for this time round. It wasn’t available in the first lockdown but will be this time in line with the government guidelines.’

Bargain stores B&M and low price store Poundland are both expecting to stay open during the second lockdown.

They both sell essential items so fall within the rules laid out by the government.

Poundland said: ‘ We’re open for you throughout November.

Poundland sells items classed as essential so is able to stay open during the second lockdown

Home Bargains will be open to customers to shop inside during the second lockdown period

‘With even more of the essentials you need under one roof, we’re ready for when you need us.’ 

Home Bargains stores will also stay open during the second lockdown,as they did in the first.

Hardware and decorating outlet B & Q have also confirmed they will be open during the shutdown period.

A spokesperson said: ‘As an essential retailer, our stores across the UK and Ireland will remain open, with strong controls and strict social distancing measures in place.’ 

Those wanting to get sporty during the period can also take advantage of Halford’s being open.

It has been classed as an essential retailer and have various measures in place to keep Covid-safe.

B&Q said its UK and Ireland stores will stay open, with controls and social distancing measures

They have put extensive social distancing measures in place and even have a built bike delivery service for customers that don’t want to go into stores

The shop is also offering a contactless mobile expert, where their vans – described as ‘garages on wheels’ = can visit customers at home

Others have put in one-way systems for shoppers as well as plenty of hand sanitiser and social distancing measures. 

The story is the same at Toolstation stores that are going to remain open seven days a week across the UK as an essential retailer.

A spokeswoman said: ‘Continuing to operate with enhanced safety and social distancing measures in place to safely provide tools and more to our customers, who can purchase directly in store or through our click and collect service.’

But the Mike Ashley-owned Sports Direct were tight-lipped today over their plans.

It was in stark contrast to the first lockdown when they insisted they sold essential goods and should stay open, before eventually backing down.

They did not respond to a MailOnline request as to whether their stores would be opening tomorrow. 

The impending lockdown had sparked some pockets of panic-buying in the UK.

Shelves were bare in aisles at Asda in Cambridge and Tesco in Ely in Cambridgeshire earlier this week.

Home delivery slots were also getting booked up, with many customers struggling to get slots.

Hundreds of customers have also been seen lining up to get into stores, including Sainsbury’s and wholesalers Costco.

Primark – which will have to close under lockdown – also saw queues outside its flagship Oxford Street store.

A retail worker at fashion chain Bershka’s Oxford Street store told MailOnline: ‘It has been really busy. It was half term as well so I don’t think it’s all been due to the lockdown. But this weekend has been busier.’ 

Here we go again! From work to gym to going to the salon, what you can and can’t do as we prepare for a second lockdown

This month’s lockdown will not be the same as spring’s. Schools will stay open, and we can still meet one person from another household outside. 

More people will carry on travelling in to work, and the elderly will not be ordered to ‘shield’ indoors. 

Here’s a handy guide to what the new rules mean for you and your loved ones…

FRIENDS AND FAMILY

• All home visits – including in gardens – are banned unless you are part of a support bubble. The ban includes partners who live elsewhere. 
• Unlike in the first lockdown, you can – when on your own – meet one friend, relative or partner from another household outdoors, to exercise or sit in a park 
• Children under school age will not count towards this two-person total, health minister Nadine Dorries tweeted last night. This means, for example, that two new mothers could bring their babies for a chat in the park. Adults who require round-the-clock care will also not be counted in the total.
• Playgrounds will remain open – unlike last time – meaning children can still play on the swings.
• Children of separated parents may continue to move between both homes.

NURSERIES, SCHOOLS AND CHILDCARE

• Educational institutions, from nurseries and schools to colleges and universities, will remain open.
• Childminders can carry on working. ‘Childcare bubbles’ will also still be valid – meaning grandparents can care for children after school.
• After-school clubs and youth groups will stop for the next month.
• Universities have been asked to shift more lectures online where possible.
• Students cannot return home to see family until the end of term.

Unlike in the first lockdown, you CAN meet a friend, relative or partner from another household outdoors, to exercise or sit in a park

If you must take public transport, avoid busy times and routes. Always wear a mask and maintain social distancing where possible

GOING TO WORK

• Everybody who can work from home should do so.
• If you cannot do your job from home then you can continue to travel in. Examples include those in construction or manufacturing.
• Those whose work involves going into others’ homes – such as plumbers and cleaners – may continue to do so.
• Those deemed ‘clinically extremely vulnerable’ – such as cancer patients – should work from home or claim Statutory Sick Pay.
• Workers currently on furlough will continue to be paid 80 per cent of their wages through November, up to a maximum of £2,500.

VULNERABLE PEOPLE AND CARE HOMES

• The elderly and those who are clinically vulnerable are not being asked to shield this time – unlike during the first lockdown.
• They will, however, be advised to be follow the rules carefully and minimise social contact.
• Older people should not refrain from exercise. They are encouraged to get some fresh air or walk the dog.
• New guidance on care home visits is expected later this week. Current restrictions are in place until then.
• If you need to care for a vulnerable person, such as a family member or neighbour, you are allowed to do so.

TRAVEL

• Travelling outside your local area should be avoided, and the number of trips taken should be reduced.
• Going to medical appointments and the shops is still allowed.
• You can even travel for exercise, as long as it is a short journey.
• If you must take public transport, avoid busy times and routes. Always wear a mask and maintain social distancing where possible.
• Going on holiday is banned. Overseas travel is allowed for work or essential trips only.
• Travelling to holiday homes is also outlawed. Hotel stays are only allowed for work reasons.
• If you are already on holiday, you do not have to travel home straight away. Those in countries with ‘travel corridors’ won’t need to self-isolate upon their return.

Going on holiday is banned. Overseas travel is allowed for work or essential trips only

Hairdressers and beauty salons will be shut again, as will massage parlours and tanning salons

SHOPS AND LEISURE

• Supermarkets, food shops and pharmacists will remain open – meaning there is no need to head out and panic-buy.
• Non-essential retail outlets, from car showrooms to clothing shops, will remain closed until the lockdown is over.
• Those offering click-and-collect options can continue to operate – meaning that, unlike last time, you will be able to order some items online and pick them up in person.
• Restaurants, cafes and pubs will all shut their doors to sit-in customers – but can carry on providing a takeaway service.
• Alcohol cannot be served, however, meaning no repeat of the summer’s ‘takeaway pint’ phenomenon seen at many pubs.
• Garden centres will be allowed to remain open.
• Leisure facilities – such as gyms, swimming pools and soft play facilities – will be shut.
• Golf courses and riding centres will close too, despite the activities largely taking place outdoors.
• Hairdressers and beauty salons will be shut again, as will massage parlours and tanning salons.
• Cinemas, theatres and bingo halls will also be forced to close their doors, along with zoos and botanical gardens.

PUBLIC SERVICES

• GP surgeries and many hospitals will stay open for both urgent and non-urgent appointments.
• Jobcentres will also continue to help people find work.
• Courts and register offices will continue to operate, with a view to preventing more backlogs.
• Food banks and blood donation services will continue to operate, too.
• Support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous or bereavement services, will have a limit of 15 people per session.

Weddings and civil partnerships will not be allowed to go ahead unless there are exceptional circumstances

WEDDINGS, FUNERALS AND WORSHIP

• Places of worship will be closed unless it is for a funeral, individual prayer, broadcasted acts of worship, formal childcare, blood donation, food banks or support groups.
• Churches, mosques and synagogues can open their doors for individual worship but communal services are banned.
• As is currently the case, funerals may be attended by a maximum of 30 people.
• Weddings and civil partnerships will not be allowed to go ahead unless there are exceptional circumstances.