A 'No Touch' Rule Is Being Introduced In Asda And Aldi

The measure aims to further contain the spread of the virus by asking shoppers not to touch items that they don't intend to purchase.

The supermarket chain announced the move on its website.

Asda's message reads: "There will be clear signage, directional barriers and floor markings to help you move around our store easily and maintain a two-metre distance from other customers and our colleagues.

"You are allowed to bring your children and other members of your household to our stores, but we ask that you keep this to a minimum to help us maintain social distancing advice.

"We're asking customers to only touch items they intend to purchase and to use cashless payment wherever they can to minimise contact."

The supermarket has pinned up signs advising customers not to use any of its trolleys until they are positioned outside the front of its stores.

The move ensures that shoppers do not come into contact with Aldi's trolley's until they have been thoroughly deep cleaned with disinfectant.

Cleaning stations for trolleys and baskets are in place at all of Aldi's stores.

The measure sits alongside other coronavirus prevention tactics such as two-metre distancing markers, the installation of perspex screens to protect staff, and requests to make card payments where possible.

The government advise that is very unlikely that you can catch coronavirus (COVID-19) from food or food packaging. It is, however, important to thoroughly wash hands after handling any produce.

A study published by New England Journal of Medicine found that the virus can survive on hard surfaces, such as plastic and stainless steel, for up to three days.

On softer surfaces like cardboard, the virus survived for hours rather than days.

Given these reports, "no touch" rules for unclean baskets, trolleys, and groceries that the shopper does not intend to buy are a vital means of limiting the spread of Covid-19.

For a full breakdown of your local supermarket's social distancing rules and opening hours during lockdown, including priority shopping hours for the elderly and vulnerable, head to the 'Coronavirus' section of the chain's website.