Asda and Aldi introduce 'no touch' policy in supermarkets to help prevent the spread of coronavirus

Retailers hope new rules will help to minimise contact

Two of the UK’s biggest supermarkets have introduced a new “no touch” policy to help curb the spread of coronavirus.

From queueing outside to keeping two-metres apart from other customers while shopping, we have all become accustomed to the new rules put in place by supermarkets to ensure we can stay as safe as possible while buying groceries.

But now Asda and Aldi have taken things one step further with the introduction of new policies that asks customers to avoid touching items they do not intend on purchasing or using.

In an updated message on its website, Asda tells shoppers to “touch less” and to “pick up only what you intend to buy”.

“There will also be clear signage, directional barriers and floor markings to help you move around our store easily and maintain a two-metre distance from other customers and our colleagues,” the Asda website explains.

“We’re asking customers to only touch items they intend to purchase and to use cashless payment wherever they can to minimise contact.

“There will be regular announcements on Asda radio to remind customers of their responsibility to apply social distancing rules, and to help you do this we are closing every other self-checkout till.”

Elsewhere, Aldi has said staff may ask customers to only touch trolleys they intend to use while shopping.

“Sanitisation stations are in place at the front of stores so it is easy for customers to disinfect their hands, trolleys and baskets before doing their shop,” a spokesperson said.

“Our store colleagues may ask that customers only touch trolleys they intend to use.”

The new policies are just one of many new measures being introduced by a number of UK supermarkets, including dedicated store opening times for vulnerable customers and front line workers, rationing of essential food and household items and encouraging shoppers to avoid using cash where possible.

Some retailers, including Sainsbury's, Marks & Spencer and Asda, have also launched Volunteer Shopping Cards, which aim to help customers shop on behalf of the elderly, disabled and vulnerable.