SAINSBURYS is the latest supermarket to enforce the wearing of face masks in its stores.

Chief Executive Simon Roberts of the store, which has a shop in Malton, has also urged customers to shop along.

In a statement he said: "I have spent a lot of time in our stores over the past few days and I need to ask for your help with two key issues to keep you and all my colleagues safe.

"When shopping in our stores, you must wear a mask or visor unless you have a medical exemption. And you should also shop on your own. Thank you for your support.

"Security guards will support our colleagues at the front of store and will challenge customers who are not wearing masks or who are shopping in groups. I know you’ll understand and support what we are trying to do.

"We have also significantly reduced the number of customers allowed in our stores at any one time to ensure social distancing is maintained at all times.

"Together, these steps will go a long way to keep everyone safe, whether you are shopping or working with us.

"Please wear a mask or visor and please shop alone in our stores. Thank you for helping us to keep everyone safe."

Yesterday, Morrisons said that it would be enforcing the wearing of face masks in its stores.

Exemptions are made for: Those unable to put on or wear a face covering because of a physical or mental illness or disability People for whom wearing or removing a face covering will cause severe distress Anyone assisting someone who relies on lip reading to communicate Those who don't have a mask will be offered one by security staff, but turned away if they don't accept it.