Coronavirus: Why are supermarkets tightening their rules on face masks?

Morrisons, along with Sainsbury's, Asda and Tesco, are toughening up rules on masks in their stores

The UK's biggest supermarkets are tightening their rules on face masks.

Supermarket chain Morrisons has announced it won't be allowing customers without face masks to enter its stores from next Monday.

Sainsbury's has said it'll be challenging people who enter its store without masks and those shopping in large groups, and Tesco and Asda made similar announcements on Tuesday.

It's all in a bid to help tackle the spread of the coronavirus, which has seen an increase in transmission rates.

Shoppers across the UK have had to wear face masks in supermarkets since last year unless they're exempt from the official rules. Supermarkets have also limited the number of customers who are able to enter their stores at any given time and have also put social distancing measures in place to help keep people safe.

However, there are concerns that shoppers aren't always sticking to social distancing rules and some people have also gone into stores without wearing face masks.

Vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi said the government is "concerned" shops are not enforcing rules strictly enough.

"We need to make sure people actually wear masks and follow the one-way system," he told Sky News.

Sainsbury's has also said it's tightening rules on social distancing

Morrisons' chief executive, David 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."

The boss of Sainsbury's, Simon Roberts, also put out a statement addressed to customers on Monday:

"I've spent a lot of time in our stores reviewing the latest situation over the last few days and on behalf of all my colleagues, I am asking our customers to help us keep everyone safe. The vast majority of customers are shopping safely, but I have also seen some customers trying to shop without a mask and shopping in larger family groups."

"Please help us to keep all our colleagues and customers safe by always wearing a mask and by shopping alone. Everyone's care and consideration matters now more than ever," he added.

Security staff at both supermarket chains will be tasked with challenging shoppers without masks and it's hoped people will follow the rules more strictly.

Tesco has said it'll refuse customers without face coverings

Asda and Tesco are the latest supermarket chains to announce they'll be preventing people who aren't wearing face masks from entering their stores.

On Tuesday a Tesco spokesperson said: "Since the start of the pandemic, we have focused on ensuring everyone can get the food they need in a safe environment.

"To protect our customers and colleagues, we won't let anyone into our stores who is not wearing a face covering, unless they are exempt in line with Government guidance. We are also asking our customers to shop alone, unless they're a carer or with children. To support our colleagues, we will have additional security in stores to help manage this."

Asda has also spoken out on the decision to tighten the rules on masks in their stores. In a statement, an Asda spokesperson said: "If a customer has forgotten their face covering, we will continue to offer them one free of charge - but should a customer refuse to wear a covering without a valid medical reason and be in any way challenging to our colleagues about doing so - our security colleagues will refuse their entry."

When do you have to wear a mask?

Across the UK, people are required to wear face coverings in lots of indoor settings, including shops or supermarkets, on public transport, in taxis, at restaurants or cafes (except when seated at a table to eat or drink), at libraries, at places of worship, at the hairdressers and at entertainment venues like the cinema or indoor theatres. There are additional rules for the different nations.

When it comes to children and young people, the rules vary slightly depending on which nation you live in. In England and Wales, children under the age of 11 aren't required to wear masks in indoor spaces. In Scotland, children under five are exempt, and in Northern Ireland, those under the age of 13 don't have to wear masks in a public indoor place.

Who's exempt from wearing masks?

In all the UK nations, there are some groups of people who aren't required to wear face masks for various reasons. This includes:

• people who can't put a mask on, wear or remove one due to a physical or mental impairment or disability

• those who will suffer from severe distress if they do put a mask on, wear, or remove a mask

• people providing assistance to someone who relies on lip reading, clear sound or facial expressions to communicate

• people who are avoiding causing harm or injury, or the risk of harm or injury, to themselves or others

There are also other exemptions in place depending depending on where in the UK you live.