Plan B restrictions that were introduced towards the end of last year, in a bid to control the spread of the Omicron Covid variant, are set to end this week.
While work from home guidance already ended last week, other restrictions like mandatory face masks and use of Covid passes have now been relaxed, with easing of rules on care home visits to follow on January 31.
When Johnson announced the end of restrictions he said that "once regulations lapse the government will no longer mandate the wearing of face masks anywhere".
So what does this mean for face mask rules in supermarkets? Here's the guidance from Sainsbury's, Tesco, Aldi, Asda and more.
Sainsbury's face mask rules
Sainsbury's has issued a rule update on face mask rules in all its stores. The supermarket chain has 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."
It added that Sainsbury's stores will continue to have a range of safety measures in place including screens and sanitising stations.
Do I need to wear a face mask in Tesco?
Tesco has yet issue an update regarding its rules on face coverings when England switches back to Covid Plan A this week.
For now, the store's website still reads that face coverings are mandatory - unless you are exempt - as per the government guidelines brought in November 2021.
Based on what the chain did when rules were previously eased, Tesco is likely to suggest but not require shoppers wear a mask.
Asda's Covid mask rules
All safety measures including mandatory face coverings seem to be place, according Asda's website. However, this is according to the November guidance and will likely be updated to reflect the end of Covid Plan B restrictions.
Though masks will no longer be compulsory, health guidance will remain for people to wear a face covering in crowded and enclosed spaces including supermarkets.
The Sun reported that Asda stores will continue to have spare face masks available at the door in case you want one and forgot to bring your own.
Wearing a face mask in Aldi
No updates have been made by Aldi about changes to face mask rules in stores. The website says that face coverings are compulsory as per Plan B restrictions. Updates could be issued soon now that restrictions have ended.
While shoppers won't be legally required to wear face masks, everyone is advised to continue wearing face coverings in settings where they come into contact with people they don't normally meet.
Does Lidl require face masks in shops?
Lidl's website still says that face masks are mandatory in stores as per November guidelines. This is likely to be updated soon to reflect the change in rules.
Given Lidl's rules when Covid restrictions were eased previously, we can expect that the chain will ask customers to "consider" covering their faces in store this time around as well.
Marks & Spencer's updated face coverings advice
The M&S website reads that face coverings are mandatory for all shoppers across all UK stores, with the exemption of young children and people with certain health conditions. Customers were not required to wear at the M&S cafes when seated to eat or drink.
The guidance on the site will likely change soon to reflect the end of Plan B restrictions. Health guidance still remains for people to wear masks in crowded public settings.
Waitrose
Waitrose and John Lewis stores will continue to advise customers wear a mask while shopping, but will no longer recommend the practice.
A Waitrose & Partners spokesperson told The Sun : "From Thursday 27 January, we'll be suggesting people wear masks in our stores, although it will be down to individuals to make a personal choice."
Morrisons face mask rules
Morrisons' website states it still requires customers and employees to wear face masks and social distance as per previous rules.
The guidance is likely to change soon to reflect the end of restrictions as the UK goes back to Plan A, which focuses on vaccines and booster rollout alongside advice instead of mandatory rules.
