SHOPPERS have shared their relief after several major supermarket chains announced that they will turn customers away who refuse to wear a mask during the Covid crisis.

Waitrose, Asda, Aldi, Tesco, Morrison’s and Sainsbury’s have now pledged to step-up their restrictions on face-coverings.

This comes after the Government’s vaccine minister Nadhim Zahawi raised concerns of people not sticking to the coronavirus rules in supermarkets.

Those exempt from wearing face coverings will not be expected to wear a mask - although Sainsbury’s has said it will be challenging any shoppers not wearing a face covering.

Gazette readers have welcomed the move to clamp down on those not wearing masks or face coverings in supermarkets.

Sheila Burry is exempt from wearing a mask due to a lung condition but said she would be prepared to wear one to stop the spread of the virus.

She said: “I would rather wear one for the short time I would be in a supermarket, not that I’ve been in one for months. If nurses can wear them for 12 hour shifts surely even those who are exempt can wear them for a short trip to the supermarket.”

Halstead Gazette: A shopper outside a Morrisons store. Picture: PAA shopper outside a Morrisons store. Picture: PA

Christine Morris called for tougher punishments for people who refuse to wear a mask.

“Those selfish people without medical conditions not wearing masks need to be refused entry,” she said.

“Assaulting a shop worker needs to carry a decent custodial sentence (not just a wrist slap).

“Those who break the rules need to be shamed then tagged.”

Some readers were worried about quizzing people about why they are not wearing a mask saying it could make those with a legitimate reason anxious or subject staff to abuse.

Sarah Jane Allen-Glister added: “I’m sorry if this offends people but for the sake of your life protect yourself and others [and] just wear a mask. I wear mine from when I leave home til I get back home.”