Now lockdown restrictions have eased, many people have returned to their favourite shops.
But with so many rules and changes coming into place so regularly, shoppers are often left confused about what they can and can’t do.
At the start of lockdown, many of the UK’s biggest supermarkets took the decision to limit the number of shoppers in stores – a move which meant that couples and families were advised against shopping together where possible.
Now some of the rules have been updated.
Here are the latest rules for couples and families shopping together at some of the UK’s biggest supermarket brands, according to Essex Live.
Asda
Asda is also limiting the number of customers inside their stores to allow customers and staff to safely socially-distance.
A slight spin on the one adult policy, Asda actually had a ‘one adult per trolley rule’ that works alongside the number of shoppers in store too.
However, this rule doesn’t apply to children or anyone shopping with carers as they have no other option.
Tesco
Like most other stores, Tesco has been reducing the number of customers allowed inside their stores.
During the full lockdown earlier this year, this was helped by just one person from each household entering the building.
However, Tesco say that they understand it isn’t always possible to shop alone if you need to bring your children or a carer.
Their rules remain unchanged at present – meaning you should still be shopping alone if possible.
This helps Tesco to keep the number of people in store down to a minimum and keep shoppers safe.
Aldi
While Tesco and Sainbury’s still have their one-adult guidelines, Aldi is slightly looser on its ruling.
A statement on the official Aldi website encouraged customers to reduce the number of shoppers from each family, but there isn’t any actual rules in place.
A spokesperson said: “In order to help with social distancing, we are encouraging all customers to try and reduce the number of family members they bring with them into our stores.
“Of course, we ask that all store staff use their discretion with children and parents.”
So while you could potentially drag your partner out – you still should avoid it really.
Sainsbury’s
Sainsbury’s are following suit and have reduced the amount of people instore the store at any one time.
On their official website, a Sainsbury’s spokesperson explains: “This helps us keep people a safe distance apart and also helps to reduce queues to get into stores.
“Our store teams will be asking groups with more than one adult to choose one adult to shop and will ask other adults to wait. Children are welcome if they are not able to stay at home.”
The rule remains in place as of July – so you’ll have to battle with your loved one each week to decide who gets to do the shopping.
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Lidl
Lidl has introduced a crowd control system to help staff manage social-distancing in their stores.
On the official Lidl website, a spokesperson said: “This includes positioning security guards or designated team members at our store entrances during busy times of the day, to keep track of how many customers enter our stores at one time.”
Similar to Aldi, there is no exact rule in place banning shopping with your partner.
However, there is still an assumption like other major supermarkets that you should shop alone where possible.
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