Shoppers will be affected by a law change from Thursday, January 27, but not all the rules will be the same depending upon where you shop.
Shoppers in England will no longer be required by law to wear a mask in stores, however, while this is a law change, the rules in place at individual shop are different.
Individual businesses can set their own rules, which may be confusing for shoppers.
Following the rise in the Omicron variant, additional coronavirus measures were put in place back in November. Those measures end today and wearing a mask in a store is no longer law but a personal choice. It is also the choice of the business what their particular rules are for entering their shop.
It is likely that you'll see posters about exactly what is expected before entering premises.
Some supermarkets have already set out their policy so be prepared.
A number have said that they will be following Government guidance, meaning shoppers will be encouraged, but not required, to wear a face covering.
Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, said retailers, in general, will be asking customers to "be considerate to those around them when choosing whether to wear a face covering and to respect the decision of other customers", reported Manchester Evening News.
The rules for the big supermarkets
The Governments Plan B will no longer apply from Thursday, January 27, 2022.
This means that businesses in England are free to set their own policy on wearing masks.
Note, that if you are traveling around the country, that the laws are different in Wales and Scotland, where mask wearing law continues.
Aldi
Supermarket chain Aldi has not yet confirmed what its policy on masks.
It is most likely they will follow the advice of the British Retail Consortium, and encourage shoppers to make a considered choice on wearing face masks and when, but it won't force customers to wear them.
The last time mask laws were removed, in July 2021, Aldi switched to encouraging customers to continue wearing masks, but left the choice up to them.
Sainsbury's
Sainsbury's was one of the first supermarkets to set out its policy.
It said that masks would be optional but encouraged in Sainsbury's after Plan B.
A spokesperson said: "Safety remains our highest priority. From Thursday, we’re asking our customers and colleagues in England to continue to wear a face covering in our stores if they are able to.
"In Scotland and Wales face coverings remain mandatory for those who can wear them in our stores, in line with the latest Government restrictions.
"We continue to have a range of safety measures in all of our stores, including screens and sanitising stations."
Asda
Asda hasn't confirmed exactly what its policy will be, but back in July 2021 it followed Government advice and encouraged customers to wear masks, but left the choice up to them.
It is likely Asda will do the same.
Lidl
When contacted, Lidl referred to the advice from the British Retail Consortium, which asks customers to consider continuing to wear masks.
It means Lidl will leave the choice up to customers.
Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, said: "The Government’s decision to remove Plan B restrictions, including wearing face coverings in a retail setting will enable shopping to return to more normal experience for customers, employees and businesses. Retailers ask customers to be considerate to those around them when choosing whether to wear a face covering and to respect the decision of other customers."
Morrisons
Morrisons website states that states it still requires customers and employees to wear face masks and social distance as per previous rules. However, this may be updated following the new rules.
A spokesperson said: "We will be continuing to follow Government guideline".
That means shoppers in Morrisons will be encouraged to make a "considerate" decision on whether to wear a face covering or not, but they will not have to wear masks by law.
Tesco
It looks likely Tesco will follow its rivals and introduce a voluntary mask policy, but customers who can, will be encouraged to wear a face covering.
Tesco has yet to confirm its policy, but that's what it did the last time a mandatory mask law was withdrawn in July last year.
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