Asda denies claims that families with children will be banned from its stores

ASDA has denied claims on social media that it was set to ban families with children from coming into its stores.
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The supermarket giant, which has stores in Fratton, Gosport, Fareham and Waterlooville, took to Facebook to dispel the rumours.

In a post on Saturday evening, Asda’s official account wrote: ‘You may have seen posts being shared on social media suggesting that families with children won't be allowed into our stores from tomorrow. This isn't the case.

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‘Everyone in the UK is being asked by the Government to shop sensibly and only when required. Where needed, we are limiting the total number of shoppers we allow into a store at any one time.

Asda in Fratton. Picture: Sarah Standing (123194-4633)Asda in Fratton. Picture: Sarah Standing (123194-4633)
Asda in Fratton. Picture: Sarah Standing (123194-4633)

‘If possible, it would help us greatly if you could bring fewer family members when visiting our stores. This will help us maintain social distancing guidelines we already have in place.’

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Asda has brought in a number of measures for during the current coronavirus crisis.

This includes reducing the opening hours at its stores to 8am – 8pm Monday through Saturday.

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It has also closed its cafes and deli counters temporarily, put purchasing limits on certain products in store and online as well as limiting the number of customers allowed in the store when necessary.

Asda is also prioritising NHS workers in larger stores every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8am to 9am.

The supermarket giant has also put floor markings spaced 2m apart across checkouts, self-scan, kiosks, pharmacy, optical and service desks to help customers observe social distancing.

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Asda has also said that in the coming days it will install perspex screens at checkouts and kiosks to protect its staff.

As well as this Asda is offering fully paid leave to anyone who is vulnerable, such as over 70-year-olds or those who are pregnant, as well as the carers of vulnerable people.

Asda said it will provide vulnerable workers with 12 weeks' pay to allow them to self-isolate and protect their health and that of their family.

Coronavirus: the facts

What is coronavirus?

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Covid-19 is a respiratory illness that can affect lungs and airways. It is caused by a virus called coronavirus.

What caused coronavirus?

The outbreak started in Wuhan in China in December 2019 and it is thought that the virus, like others of its kind, has come from animals.

How is it spread?

As this is such a new illness, experts still aren’t sure how it is spread. But similar viruses are spread in cough droplets. Therefore covering your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing, and disposing of used tissues straight away is advised. Viruses like coronavirus cannot live outside the body for very long.

What are the symptoms?

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The NHS states that the symptoms are: a dry cough, high temperature and shortness of breath - but these symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the illness. Look out for flu-like symptoms, such as aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose and a sore throat. It’s important to remember that some people may become infected but won’t develop any symptoms or feel unwell.

What precautions can be taken?

Washing your hands with soap and water thoroughly. The NHS also advises to cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze; put used tissues in the bin immediately and try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell. Also avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth unless your hands are clean.

Sources: World Health Organisation and NHS

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