Now England has entered its third lockdown following a rise in infections rates, all non-essential shops have been forced to close.

Pubs, restaurants and bars are also closed and those living in England only have access to supermarkets and other retailers that are offering essential items.

The restrictions imposed through the national lockdown are similar to those in tier four, with all non-essential businesses closed.

Supermarkets have adapted how they operate throughout the year in order to account for social distancing measures and accommodate vulnerable customers.

Here are the latest changes to supermarkets:

Asda

Asda announced it would increase coronavirus safety measures at stores across the country.

Asda also released a new virtual queueing app called 'Qudini' which is available for all 421 main stores.

It allows customers to wait in their cars until there is a slot available if the store is busy.

Face covering for everyone who is not medically exempt must also be worn.

1,000 new Asda Safety Marshals are stationed at the front of every store and in the aisles of larger stores.

They have introduced additional hand sanitisation stations in the busiest sections of all stores in addition to the multiple cleaning points already found throughout stores.

For more information click here.

Tesco

Some Tesco stores have cordoned off non-essential aisles such a kitchenware and clothing.

The superstore has also brought in a one in one out system that will be used to limit the number of people in stores at any given time.

Social distancing will continue to be maintained while customers are shopping and face coverings must be worn unless a customer is medically exempt.

The supermarket has placed staff at the entrances of larger stores to inform customers of the procedures in place and ensure they are wearing a face covering if they are not exempt.

For more information click here.

Aldi

The store is encouraging shoppers to pick quieter times to do their shopping which is often between the hours of 7pm to 10pm.

It is mandatory for all customers (with certain exceptions) shopping in Aldi stores to wear a face coverings.

Aldi has introduced a traffic light system and was one of the first supermarkets to do so during the initial lockdown.

For more information click here.

Lidl

The supermarket asks customers to shop at quieter times and face coverings must be worn, unless a customer is medically exempt.

Gloves are at the bakery to use instead of tongs for bagging loose items.

For more information click here.

Sainsbury's

Sainsbury's has increased the number of home delivery and Click and Collect slots available and are on track to offer 750,000 weekly slots.

For vulnerable customers who have been offered a slot and are unable to place their order online, they are offering a telephone ordering service.

Queueing systems outside of Sainsbury’s stores will be implemented when necessary and only one adult per household will be allowed into the shop at any one time.

Sainsbury’s will continue to be prioritising elderly and vulnerable customers for online delivery slots but no current confirmation is available on how long customers will need to wait for a slot.

For more information click here.

Morrisons

Morrisons has encouraged customers to book their food shop delivery well in advance due to high demand.

The supermarket offers a next-day doorstep delivery service for customers who are self-isolating or unable to get to a store.

Those who are self-isolating and in need of an emergency grocery delivery can phone 0345 611 6111 and select option five.

For more information click here