SHOPPERS have shared their relief after several major supermarket chains announced that they will turn customers away who refuse to wear a mask during the Covid crisis.

Waitrose, Asda, Tesco, Morrison's and Sainsbury's have now pledged to step-up their restrictions on face-coverings.

This comes after the government's vaccine minister Nadhim Zahawi raised concerns of people not sticking to the coronavirus rules in supermarkets.

The Argus: Supermarkets including Waitrose, Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury's and Morrison's are clamping down on those not wearing face masks in storesSupermarkets including Waitrose, Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury's and Morrison's are clamping down on those not wearing face masks in stores

And, yesterday, Met Police leader Dame Cressida Dick said officers would provide support to shop staff if customers became "obstructive and aggressive".

Those exempt from wearing face coverings will not be expected to wear a mask - though Sainsbury's has said it will be challenging any shoppers not wearing a face covering.

Shoppers' relief at tightened restrictions in supermarkets

Argus readers have welcomed the move to clamp down on those not wearing masks or face coverings in supermarkets.

Claire Bahadoor said: "I asked for 'no mask, no entry' when masks became mandatory. 

"As a supermarket worker who wears a mask and has done from the start, it's only fair to help keep us safe if customers insist on not social distancing from us."

Tracey Mcnie agreed, and called for security staff on the door of supermarkets to implement the new measures.

She said: "Yes it’s about time - so long as these supermarkets employ security people to be on the doors to enforce this and it’s not left to the staff on the shop floor."

Lynda Jane Smith stressed the importance of wearing a face-covering in stopping the spread of Covid-19.

The Argus: There were concerns that social distancing measures were not being followed in supermarketsThere were concerns that social distancing measures were not being followed in supermarkets

She said: "I don’t like wearing a mask but I do wear one because I feel it’s important for my safety and for those around me. 

"I also sanitise my hands and the shopping trolley before I enter the store. I am amazed at the amount of people who don’t do this."

And Sue Fugl was also in favour of the move, adding that customers should be banned from stores if they abused shop staff.