A MAJOR supermarket in Winsford and Middlewich has announced that any customers who refuse to wear a face mask without an exemption will be told to leave.

Morrisons has announced the new policy amid growing concern over the current coronavirus situation, with the Government reportedly considering tougher restrictions.

Chief executive David Potts said: “Those who are offered a face covering and decline to wear one won’t be allowed to shop at Morrisons unless they are medically exempt.

“Our store colleagues are working hard to feed you and your family, please be kind.”

The Usdaw shopworkers’ union says it has been inundated with complaints from members, who are ‘deeply concerned’ for their safety while members of the public flout in-store Covid measures.

General secretary Paddy Lillis said: “Retail staff are working with the public every day and not only suffer increased abuse, but are deeply worried about catching Covid-19.

“Where safety measures are agreed, retailers need to make sure that they are being followed consistently, in every store.

“We are also very concerned by reports that too many customers are not following necessary safety measures like social distancing, wearing a face covering and only shopping for essential items.

“It is going to take some time to roll out the vaccine and we cannot afford to be complacent in the meantime, particularly with a new strain sweeping the nation.”

Vaccines Minister Nadhim Zahawi has also voiced his concerns that members of the public are not complying with measures put in place by supermarkets, amid suggestions the restrictions may need to be toughened.

“I am worried about supermarkets and people actually wearing masks and following the one-way system and making sure when it’s at capacity they wait outside the supermarket,” he said.

Data from Public Health England last week found 11 outbreaks of the disease had come from food outlets.

But England’s chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty said supermarket staff would not be initially prioritised for vaccinations unless they also fell into the highest vulnerability categories.