What measures have retailers implemented?
Retailers are strictly adhering to government advice for staff and customers. The public will notice changes to their usual shopping routine, such as systems to ensure social distancing both inside and outside of premises. They may also see slightly different selections of goods, dedicated hours for emergency and essential workers, shortened opening hours and the closure of some non-essential functions. These measures have been implemented in line with guidance from the government’s public health experts to ensure the safety of all. We strongly urge the public to follow these measures and be considerate of the millions of shopworkers who are working round the clock to put food and other essential items onto our shelves and into our homes.
what HYGIENE MEASURES HAVE RETAILERS IMPLEMENTED?
Retailers are taking action to protect staff and customers over and above the recommendations from Public Health England. Steps they are taking include placing perspex screens at counters, cleaning self-scan machines more regularly, and discouraging the use of cash. Such actions can deliver a marginal benefit to staff and customers, however, regular hand washing and strict adherence to guidance from Public Health England remain the most important steps for all retailers.
can families shop together?
Retailers currently are not restricting parents shopping with young children. However, Government and retailers recommend people to shop alone wherever possible.
what can be done to SUPPORT VULNERABLE GROUPS?
Retailers are working with Government to identify and support elderly, vulnerable and disabled customers. While they are increasing capacity to meet the large surge in demand and prioritising delivery to these groups where possible, many are also encouraging those who are able to shop in-store to do so. It is important to support one another during this pandemic and everyone should consider whether there are vulnerable neighbours they can support by shopping on their behalf. These measures will help alleviate the pressure on delivery services and ensure that slots are available for those with the greatest need. Online priority will be given to those considered by Government to be ‘extremely vulnerable’. This includes people with severe respiratory conditions, specific cancers, rare diseases, those on immunosuppression therapies, and women who are pregnant with significant heart disease.
how are retailers supporting nhs staff and key workers?
Retailers recognise and commend the hard work and dedication by NHS staff and key workers across the country. Many are implementing special shopping hours, to ensure that these workers have exclusive access to stores and others are offering complimentary drinks and discounts. Retailers will continue to support those working across our NHS and key services and we ask the public to demonstrate their gratitude by respecting these special shopping hours.
CAN food be infected?
The evidence suggests there is a very low risk of coronavirus being transmitted by exposure to food or food packaging. Retailers and their suppliers continue to work to the highest standards of hygiene when handling products, and as always, are strictly adhering to safety processes from the Food Standard’s Agency and Public Health England to prevent the further spread of coronavirus.
CAN PARCELS/LETTERS BE INFECTED?
According to Public Health England and the World Health Organisation, there is minimal risk of catching the virus via parcels and letters, so it is safe to send and receive these items. Retailers are constantly reviewing all of their services in line with the latest government guidance.
Do you recommend wearing a face mask?
We recommend that retailers follow Government advice on this: “Face masks play a very important role in clinical settings, such as hospitals but there’s very little evidence of widespread benefit from their use outside of clinical settings.”” If a colleague becomes unwell in the workplace - presenting with a new, continuous cough and/or a high temperature - they should be sent home and follow the Government’s stay at home guidance. This means self-isolating for seven days from when the symptoms first started and not going to work."
has there been an increase in deliveries?
There has been a surge in demand for online deliveries as many more people self-isolate during the ongoing pandemic. Retailers are working incredibly hard to expand capacity for online deliveries, but as this accounts for around 8% of total food sales, physical stores will remain the most important way of getting food. Everyone must come together in the current crisis and we encourage everyone to consider, if they can, picking up food for vulnerable of self-isolating neighbours.
HOW CAN CUSTOMERS WHO ARE SELF-ISOLATING RECEIVE ONLINE DELIVERIES?
Most BRC members are more than happy for the majority of online deliveries to be delivered on doorsteps when customers have suggested that they are self-isolating. Despite difficult times, retailers strive to provide the best service for their customers, both online and in-store and are working as hard as they can to ensure consumers have access to whatever products they need. Certain deliveries, such as luxury goods and alcohol, require the driver to verify a signature or the age/ identity of the recipient. Until such verification is completed, the driver will be unable to leave the goods on the doorstep.
CAN I STILL SHOP online for non-food products?
Many retailers are continuing online operations to ensure that consumers are able to get access to the products they need during the coronavirus lockdown. Safety of warehouse staff and delivery drivers remains the highest priority and the operations at warehouses and online delivery hubs strictly adhere to Government guidelines on hygiene and social distancing.