Waitrose 'Bans' Couples from Shopping Together to Help Safeguard Customers
In the News
https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/waitrose-bans-couples-shopping-block-aisles-queues-a4401321.html
I've not seen families shop together, but so far, the other supermarkets seem to be allowing couples to shop together
Most are ensuring stores are not packed so there’s enough ‘safe’ spacing, but I imagine if couples block up the aisles, it won’t be long until the stores will have to enforce a ban
I assumed this was just the norm all over? My local Tesco & Morrisons have only been allowing 1 person each in at a time, regardless if they are a couple. Me & OH haven't been allowed to go into Tesco together since the start.
lilyflower Could be. I would have thought it was the same throughout the country, but obviously not yet tho. 
I doubt they would have the staffing levels to enforce this. Couples that currently shop together are likely to continue to do so. They may just pretend not to be together. In my experience, even when they limit the number of people entering the store at one time the shopping aisles are still not wide enough to maintain a 'safe' distance at all times.
... I went to get some food this a afternoon. Saw a couple shopping and using the self scan checkout in Tesco. Shortly afterwards, while queuing outside Sainsbury's, saw a mother and two young children leave the store. If you are a single parent you may have to choose between leaving your kids at home alone or taking them with you to the shops.
In local Morrisons it's one person per trolley or basket. I did the shopping OH met me at exit to carry home.
I "chanced it" to go to my local Aldi - almost wish I hadn't "safe spacing" was a joke, even from the staff. Most (including the Government" haven't the remotest idea what two meters is. Some thought a meter was 3 inches, the Government website says two metres is six foot although that's only just over 6 inches short. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-social-distancing-and-for-vulnerable-people/guidance-on-social-distancing-for-everyone-in-the-uk-and-protecting-older-people-and-vulnerable-adults
For those who don't know how to judge two meters - it is slightly over 6'6" as I've told quite a few people this afternoon, it is 1% longer tha the length of a normal bed which is 198cm - two meters is 200cm.
I noticed on the way out they had put someone on the entrance to stop people entering - those allowed to enter had to pass within a few inches of him.
Was in a so co-op the other day waiting on a little circle 2m away from other circles in the queue. It was a tight area with not much space at the sides. A guy came towards me and squeezed past, instead of going a longer way round to the back of the queue 
MeestairChrees It's almost criminal, the worst are the ones with a mask on, I'm still trying to figure out if they think the masks will protect them (which is unlikely) or just so they can't be recognised at a later date.
davidstockport yeah, apparently the masks are good at stopping you spreading it to others, but not from catching it. Also good at making you look silly and stand out!
We went to the OAP session at Sainsbury’s yesterday and they would only let one of us in, although some couples were queuing up one behind the other so they could both go in. I wouldn’t mind but she allowed me in and I’m a mere 68! My husband is 72 and possibly at higher risk. He was quite happy to sit in the car.
I don't understand the logic of this if they stick together while in-store. Would anybody care to explain?
And keep their kids out as well.
There is nothing more annoying than people taking their children into supermarkets and not controlling them.
That applies all the time and everywhere. Saying outloud; "don't walk into the man / woman" while smiling as if they have any interest in your children whatsoever does not help either.
I have seen quite a few families shopping together - full families with kids, not just couples.
Dennab We could all do with that spray to keep other people 2 meters away whilst shopping 
Dennab I'm glad you've heard that people are behaving and some are keeping two meters apart. I've seen people standing apart when queuing up outside but it all changes when inside. Lets hope more delivery slots are available soon.
Sounds like a good idea to have less people in store. Partners can wait outside. Seems like a small thing to do at this time.
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