Asda Larne highlights social distancing guidelines

William Brown, general store manager at Larne, said, “I couldn’t be prouder of the way our colleagues are going above and beyond to serve our customers in such exceptional circumstances- we’re all really pulling together as one team.” Since yesterday (Wednesday) Asda says it has implemented a range of social distancing measures following Government guidelines around staying two metres apart during essential visits to its shops. “We’ve made limiting the spread of Covid-19 our key priority and made a raft of changes to our operations, including markers on the floor to help customers keep their distance, directional barriers, additional signage and announcements. We also confirmed that it will be limiting the number of customers in its stores, when necessary, to ensure social distancing guidelines can be maintained. There will be additional colleagues at the front of store to greet customers and maintain safe numbers inside.” In its latest communications to customers, the retailer has also asked that customers touch only what they purchase and that they use cashless payment methods wherever possible. To help keep staff safe, it will be installing Perspex screens at its checkouts, pharmacies and service desks to help minimise contact and closing every other ‘Scan and Go’ checkout to help maintain distance. Commenting on the measures being undertaken, Roger Burnley, CEO and president, said: “It has never been more important for us to work together to keep our distance. I want you to know that everyone at Asda is working tirelessly to make sure you have the essentials your family needs and that you can shop in our stores safely if you need to visit us. “We’re working hard to protect you and our colleagues – please help us to do so by following the guidelines in place. My colleagues in our stores are working under incredible pressure to serve you – and I am hugely grateful to them for their efforts. Please be kind to them when you visit us - we’re all in this together.” Asda has donated £5 million to its partners at FareShare and the Trussell Trust to help the country’s most vulnerable people. The company will also be prioritising NHS workers in larger stores every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8am to 9am.