Iceland store

A spokesman said the masks had been ordered some time ago but delivery been delayed due to high demand

  • The retailer is also adding clear screens at checkouts and floor markings to aid social distancing

  • Customers are being encouraged to make contactless payments by card or smartphone

 

Iceland is to issue staff with face masks to protect them from coronavirus in stores.

It’s one of a range of measures from the frozen food specialist to help slow the spread of the virus.

Clear Perspex screens are being introduced at checkouts - a move also underway at Morrisons, Aldi, Lidl, Waitrose and Home Bargains.

Iceland is also in the process of adding floor markings in stores to encourage customers to keep their distance from each other when queueing.

“We have ordered supplies of face masks for store colleagues and are awaiting their delivery, along with gloves and additional hand sanitisers for stores which currently don’t have these,” a spokesman added.

He said the masks and other supplies had been ordered some time ago but delivery been delayed due to high demand.

“We are regularly updating colleagues on these measures and continue to advise them to follow government advice on social distancing and personal hygiene, particularly handwashing.”

B&M is also reportedly set to issue store staff with face masks.

Iceland is recruiting 2,000 extra store assistants and delivery drivers to help meet the spike in demand during the outbreak. However, interest has been so great the retailer has had to halt online applications for the store assistant posts.

Aldi also this afternoon announced new measures to protect staff and customers in stores. As well as the introduction of screens at checkouts, confirmed yesterday, stores are gaining two-metre markers and encouraging customers to make contactless payments by card or smartphone.

Aldi also today announced a 10% bonus on hours worked since 9 March for both store and distribution staff.

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