Sainsbury's have joined other supermarkets in sharing the measures they are taking during the coronavirus outbreak.
Social Distancing
Sainsbury's have begun limiting the number of people allowed in stores and at ATMs at any one time; put queuing systems in place outside stores where they are asking customers to queue at a safe distance of two metres; and reminding people in stores to keep a safe distance from other customers and from staff. They will also start reducing the number of checkouts open in supermarkets, convenience stores and petrol filling stations, introducing safety screens at every manned and regularly sanitising all stores and equipment.
Sainsbury's are encouraging payments by card where possible, so that customers can spend less time at the checkout and avoid direct interaction with staff.
Vulnerable Customers
Over the last week Sainsbury's have introduced measures to support vulnerable, elderly and disabled customers and their carers with priority access to essential items in stores. This includes dedicated shopping hours for these customers, reserved online delivery slots (where possible) and an expanded ‘click and collect’ service in store car parks. Priority access is also being given to NHS and social care workers to shop in supermarkets before they open to the general public each day.
Sainsbury's have contacted 725,000 customers whom they have identified as vulnerable, and their customer Careline is working to help other customers within these groups. They are currently working to keep providing delivery slots to more elderly, disabled and vulnerable customers across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The use of Government data on vulnerable individuals is helping to make sure that everyone who needs food and supplies can be reached.
Alternatives to home deliveries include new Click & Collect grocery operations in 128 stores, providing Sainsbury's customers with a quick and efficient way to collect their shopping with minimal interaction. You can check your Sainsbury's account for slots to access this service.
Volunteer Shopping Card
Sainsbury's new Volunteer Shopping Card enables customers to shop on behalf of someone else, who may be at risk and shielding. Customers can visit a dedicated webpage (www.sainsburysgiftcard.co.uk) and select how much they would like to spend up to a limit of £250. An e-gift card will then be emailed directly to the person shopping on their behalf, which can be redeemed at checkout in store.
Support for Charities
Sainsbury's have raised over £3 million for Comic Relief by matching customer donations, provided £3 million to Fareshare (a food charity assisting with the free school meals scheme), and begun selling the Big Issue online and in store to protect people who can no longer sell the magazine on the street.