* UK is concerned about the spread of viruses in supermarkets
* Concerned about the number of people not wearing masks in stores (adds Sainsbury’s statement)
By James Davey
LONDON, Jan. 11 (Reuters) – British retailers have called on police to use the wearing of masks to limit the spread of COVID-19, while two of the biggest supermarkets said on Monday that their people disputing rules will be challenging.
With the increase in infection numbers, the British government has expressed concern about the spread of the virus in supermarkets, as people are breaking the rules by not wearing masks while shopping in them.
Non-essential retailers, restaurants and pubs have been closed across Britain, leading to a huge demand for supermarkets and other grocery stores.
“People need to follow the clues in supermarkets, people need to keep their distance, make sure they wear masks and do the right thing,” Prime Minister Boris Johnson told reporters.
Morrisons CEO David Potts said the supermarket is tightening the rules.
“Those who are offered a face mask and do not want to wear one may not buy from Morrisons unless they have been medically released,” he said. “Our store colleagues work hard to feed you and your family, be kind.”
Sainsbury’s later took similar action, saying it would deploy security guards to challenge people not wearing masks and ensure people do not shop in groups.
The British Retail Consortium (BRC), which represents more than 170 major retailers, including the major supermarket groups, has called on police to do more after staff intervention led to a sharp increase in abuse incidents.
“While the police are responsible for enforcing face masks, retailers are still doing their best to encourage their use in stores,” said Andrew Opie, director of food and sustainability at the BRC.
“Unfortunately, this has led to a sharp increase in incidents of violence and abuse against shop workers, and therefore it is essential that the police support the work done by retailers.”
Opie also said that data from the government’s Scientific Advisory Group on Emergencies (SAGE) emphasized that retail is a safe environment, and noted that businesses had spent hundreds of millions of pounds on safety measures, including perspex screens, additional cleaning and social distance .
“Supermarkets follow all safety guidelines and customers should be reassured that supermarkets are COVID-safe and safe to visit during lockouts and thereafter,” he said. (Reporting by Guy Faulconbridge, James Davey and Alistair Smout; Editing by Michael Holden, David Evans and Peter Cooney)
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