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Morrisons To Ban Shoppers Who Don't Wear Masks Unless Medically Exempt

Gregory Robinson

Published 
| Last updated 

Morrisons To Ban Shoppers Who Don't Wear Masks Unless Medically Exempt

Featured Image Credit: PA

Shoppers at Morrisons stores who refuse to wear a mask without a medical exemption will be told to leave stores from today.

Chief executive of Morrisons, David Potts, confirmed that those who fail to follow the rules will be refused entry unless they are exempt for medical reasons.

Potts said: "Those who are offered a face covering and decline to wear one won't be allowed to shop at Morrisons unless they are medically exempt.

"Our store colleagues are working hard to feed you and your family, please be kind."

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The news comes after vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi raised concerns over people not following lockdown rules during visits to supermarkets (Credit: PA)
The news comes after vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi raised concerns over people not following lockdown rules during visits to supermarkets (Credit: PA)

The news comes after vaccines minister, Nadhim Zahawi raised concerns over people not following lockdown rules during visits to supermarkets.

"I am worried about supermarkets and people actually wearing masks and following the one-way system and making sure when it's at capacity they wait outside the supermarket," he told Sky News.

Medical exemptions for wearing a mask listed on the NHS website includes:

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  • Children under the age of 11 (Public Health England does not recommend face coverings for children under the age of 3 for health and safety reasons)
  • People who cannot put on, wear or remove a face covering because of a physical or mental illness or impairment, or disability
  • Where putting on, wearing or removing a face covering will cause you severe distress
  • If you are speaking to or providing assistance to someone who relies on lip reading, clear sound or facial expressions to communicate
  • To avoid harm or injury, or the risk of harm or injury, to yourself or others ‒ including if it would negatively impact on your ability to exercise or participate in a strenuous activity
  • police officers and other emergency workers, given that this may interfere with their ability to serve the public

Supermarket chains Tesco and Sainsbury's have said safety remains their "highest priority" and that customers were given regular reminders to follow the rules.

The union Usdaw revealed it has been "inundated" with complaints from its members who say they are "deeply concerned" for their safety as members of the public flout in-store measures.

Usdaw urged supermarkets and food retailers to revert to "stringent" restrictions and said that staff, who are classed as key workers, must be "valued, respected and protected".

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hief executive of Morrisons, David Potts, confirmed that those who fail to follow the rules will be refused entry unless they are exempt for medical reasons (Credit: PA)
hief executive of Morrisons, David Potts, confirmed that those who fail to follow the rules will be refused entry unless they are exempt for medical reasons (Credit: PA)

General secretary for Usdaw, Paddy Lillis, said: "Retail staff are working with the public every day and not only suffer increased abuse, but are deeply worried about catching Covid-19.

"Where safety measures are agreed, retailers need to make sure that they are being followed consistently, in every store.

"We are also very concerned by reports that too many customers are not following necessary safety measures like social distancing, wearing a face covering and only shopping for essential items.

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"These key workers must be valued, respected and protected."

Topics: lockdown, News, Coronavirus, Morrisons

Gregory Robinson
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