The company said it would also be limiting customer numbers in store - with security guards set to challenge anyone not wearing a mask and people shopping in groups.
Sainsbury’s has become the next major supermarket to enforce the use of masks in stores.
The company said it would also be limiting the number of customers permitted to enter the premises at any one time – with security guards challenging those not wearing a mask or shopping in groups.
Simon Roberts, chief executive of Sainsbury’s, said: “I’ve spent a lot of time in our stores reviewing the latest situation over the last few days and on behalf of all my colleagues, I am asking our customers to help us keep everyone safe.
“The vast majority of customers are shopping safely, but I have also seen some customers trying to shop without a mask and shopping in larger family groups.
“Please help us to keep all our colleagues and customers safe by always wearing a mask and by shopping alone.
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“Everyone’s care and consideration matters now more than ever.”
Morrisons was the first big brand to get tougher on its mask policy this week – stating no customers would be permitted to enter without a face covering unless they were “medically exempt.”
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Jim Barton / Geograph
For several months, supermarkets have largely avoided confronting customers about masks.
But after a warning from the Vaccines Minister on Monday, chains have begun to switch their face covering stance from polite recommendation to strict request.
Nadhim Zahawi told Sky News that the government had concerns about supermarkets, emphasising that “we need to make sure people wear masks and follow the one-way systems.”
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Prime Minister Boris Johnson later admitted the country was at a “perilous moment”, stating he would “have to do more” in terms of lockdown constrictions if “complacency” sets in.
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During his coronavirus press briefing on Monday evening, Matt Hancock acknowledged that there had been much “speculation” about tougher measures, but instead urged the public to follow the rules that were already in place.
The Health Secretary used the opportunity to deliver his vaccine rollout plan for Britain, revealing the government was on course to ensure at-risk people receive one dose by February 15.
According to Hancock, the top four vaccine priority groups – everyone over the age of 70, care home residents and staff, health and social care workers, and the clinically extremely vulnerable – account for 88% of the deaths from COVID-19.
Two-fifth of over 80s have already received their first jab.
Over 2 million in Britain have been vaccinated in total so far.
News
Manchester United legend Denis Law has died aged 84
Emily Sergeant
Manchester United legend Denis Law has sadly died aged 84, it has been announced.
The Aberdeen-born footballer was a prolific striker throughout his career, scoring 237 goals in 404 appearances for Manchester United – the club he signed for a then-British record transfer fee back 1962, before departing in 1973 – and also playing for Manchester City too for two separate spells during the 1960-61 and 1973-74 seasons.
Law was an integral part of United’s triumphant record-setting 1968 European Cup winning campaign, was the only Scottish player to have won the Ballon d’Or award, in 1964, and also the only man to have two statues dedicated to him at Old Trafford.
But, he previously announced in August 2021 that he had sadly been diagnosed with dementia.
The whole of Manchester, including everyone at City, is mourning with you. Rest in peace, Denis. Our thoughts are with Denis’ family and friends at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/YuwjMXKgxn
A formal statement confirming Law’s passing by his family was announced by Manchester United this evening: “It is with a heavy heart that we tell you our father Denis Law has sadly passed away. He fought a tough battle but finally he is now at peace.
“We would like to thank everyone who contributed to his wellbeing and care, past and much more recently.
“The ultimate goal-scorer, his flair, spirit and love for the game made him the hero of a generation. Our deepest condolences go out to Denis’s family and many friends. His memory will live on forever more.”
Advice issued as ‘quademic’ of winter bugs continues to take hold in Greater Manchester
Daisy Jackson
People in Greater Manchester are being urged to get any vaccinations they are due done, as a ‘quademic’ of winter bugs runs rife.
Cases of flu, Covid, norovirus and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) are continuing to take hold across the country, and here in Greater Manchester.
The city is seeing more flu cases and hospital admissions than usual for this time of year.
So now health chiefs are urgently reminding eligible people to get their flu jabs and other vaccinations, to protect themselves and others.
Mancs are also being reminded to follow key public health advice, such as frequent hand washing and staying at home when you’re ill.
The flu vaccination drive runs until the end of March and people who are eligible for it can get it from their GP, pharmacy or one of the city’s walk-in clinics, where no appointment is needed.
Dr Cordelle Ofori, Manchester’s Director of Public Health, said: “Our advice is very similar to recommendations made during the Covid pandemic.
“It’s really important to keep washing hands well and regularly; cough or sneeze into tissues or your arm; wipe down key communal surfaces like handles on doors; and where possible, stay at home if you are ill to avoid passing on any infections.
“And, in addition to this we would urge anyone who is also feeling financial or food pressures to ring our free cost of living advice line on 0800 023 2692 or text on 07860 022876.”
Councillor Thomas Robinson, Executive Member for Healthy Manchester and Social Care, at Manchester City Council, said: “Manchester people are well-known for how they look after one another – and passing the flu message on could save lives, as well as unnecessary illness at a time when people face many pressures.
“We want to make it as easy as possible for people to have their vaccination, so please do go to our walk-in clinics if you are 18 and over and eligible for the vaccine. No appointment is needed: it’s quick, easy and done by teams who want to help you.”
The Manc -
12th January 2021 
