Tesco has revealed new social distancing measures set to be introduced in a bid to stop the spread of coronavirus.

The supermarket giant has updated its website to inform customers of fresh changes coming into place at its shops.

READ ALSO: Tim Hortons UK to open 'dozens of coffee and doughnut shops' and create 2,000 jobs.

A message on Tesco's website says: "To make sure we’re doing everything possible to reduce the risk of infection for our customers and colleagues, we’ll be introducing new social distancing measures in our stores soon."

It follows last week's announcement that Tesco was set to introduce a traffic light system to its larger stores and put staff back on its entrances to control customer numbers.

READ ALSO: Theale driver has vehicle seized by police and is reported to court.

At this stage, it is not clear when the new changes will be in force.

These are the changes that are being introduced:

  • Staff at the entrances of larger stores to remind customers about the safety measures in place, including the legal requirement to wear a face covering.
  • Where necessary, Tesco will limit the flow of people coming into stores to make sure they don’t get too busy.
  • Hand sanitisers are being placed around stores for customers and colleagues to use, as well as extra cleaning products to wipe down your trolley or basket.
  • In some stores, Tesco will introduce directional floor markings and new signs to create a safe flow of movement around the store.
  • New floor markings will help you to keep a safe distance from others while waiting to pay.
  • Tesco is installing protective screens at its checkouts.
  • Where possible, it will create separate entrances and exits to its stores, so it’s easier to keep a safe distance from other shoppers.
  • Tesco is encouraging customers to shop on their own to help reduce the number of people in-store at any one time.
  • If possible, use card or contactless payments.
  • Please avoid shopping during Tesco's dedicated times for vulnerable and elderly people.

Meanwhile, Morrisons announced last week it is introducing "quieter hours" on Sundays, where all stores in the UK will have no music, checkout beeps or PA announcements for the first hour of shopping.

Quiet hours will operate from 10am-11am for stores that open from 10-4pm on a Sunday.

Quieter hours already operate every Saturday between 9am – 10am in all Morrisons stores.

Morrisons says the initiative was first introduced in 2018 after listening to families affected by autism who shared their difficulties in shopping in noisy and busy environments.

Many customers have appreciated the initiative and, as a result, it will now be extended to the first hour of store opening every Sunday to provide more opportunities to shop peacefully.

  • Dim the lights
  • Turn music and radio off
  • Avoid making tannoy announcements
  • Reduce movement of trolleys and baskets
  • Turn checkout beeps and other electrical noises down
  • Place a poster outside to tell customers it's Quieter Hour

David Potts, Morrisons Chief Executive, said: "The introduction of the quieter hours has been appreciated by many customers who prefer to shop in a calmer environment.

"Extending them to include Sundays will offer more opportunities to shop more peacefully."