Are supermarkets 'letting standards slip' as Coronavirus pandemic rages in Aylesbury Vale?

Aylesbury ASDA said it was 'not their responsibility' to make people wear masks

The lack of mask enforcement 'puts us all at risk' from contracting coronavirus when in store shopping.

One concerned resident said: "I’ve been writing to all the supermarkets to ask why their security staff aren’t tasked with enforcing mask wearing in store, with no customers being challenged for non compliance or assisted in wearing their mask properly.

"This puts us all at risk, but in every store that I’ve asked (Sainsbury, Tesco, Asda, Lidl) the story from staff is the same: they are under ‘strict instructions’ not to challenge anyone, despite signage reminding customers that masks are mandatory."

Yesterday, 57,725 cases of Coronavirus were confirmed in the UK.

The resident continued:

"Given that the country is reaching a critical point with hospitals soon to become overwhelmed, this would seem to be a good place to start in ensuring transmission is minimised.

"I’m going to make a leap and assume that security staff are employed in supermarkets to keep customers safe as well as protecting company assets. If a customer was threatened or attacked by another customer, I assume it would be within their security remit for staff to intervene."

Last week, Council Leader Martin Tett declared a 'major incident' as Coronavirus cases spiked in the area.

You can read all about it here.Responding to the resident's claims, ASDA said:

“I would like to advise that it is not our responsibility as a retailer to police customers wearing face masks, and this is in fact the responsibility of the appropriate local authorities.”

Further questions have been raised as to whether police have the resources to enforce people wearing masks indoors.

Face masks are required in almost all indoor public spaces that remain open, both for staff and customers.

Anyone who fails to adhere to the rules will face a £200 fine (reduced to £100 if paid within 14 days).

Fines double each time someone is found in breach of the rules, up until a maximum of £6,400.

There is no fine reduction for repeat offenders.

Speaking in September, Boris Johnson said:

"Your harmless cough can be someone else's death knell.

"These measures will only work if people comply and there is nothing more frustrating for the law-abiding majority than the sight of a few brazenly defying the rules, so these rules will be enforced by tighter penalties."

The resident continued:

"Why are supermarkets not using their own resources to keep us all safe?

"I think in most cases - especially where masks are being worn incorrectly - a little nudge from a security guard is all it would take to correct the situation.

"Politely challenging those without a mask to explain why and then either asking them to leave or to wear an (provided in store, if needs be) exemption badge around their neck for the duration of their visit doesn’t seem unreasonable.

"There would be the occasional confrontation, sure, but I think that this is inevitable regardless. I know that I’ve had a few where I’ve been unable to move past people without masks in supermarket aisles while maintaining social distancing.

"Surely it’s better for security staff to handle these situations professionally instead of leaving it to increasingly frustrated, angry or frightened customers."

What do you think?

Have you seen people not adhering to the rules in local supermarkets? Get in touch!

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