Shoprite and Tesco are among the shops that say face coverings are now mandatory in their stores.

A Shoprite statement said: ’While we truly hoped this wouldn’t happen, as a business we have prepared for this and know what to do. We’ve implemented the same safety protocols you are already familiar with including protective till screens, maintaining two-metre social distancing and increasing our sanitisation, cleaning procedures and safety measures.

’Please wear a mask/face covering.’

Tesco manager Neil Connell said that if people did not enter with face coverings on, they would not be permitted into the store, unless people had exemptions.