With the UK on lockdown, supermarkets are running dedicated opening hours to help the elderly, the vulnerable and NHS staff get access to the essential items that they need during the coronavirus pandemic.
During the dedicated times, other shoppers will not be allowed into stores. This means older shoppers can shop away from crowds, and NHS staff can shop ahead of crowds upon presenting their NHS ID.
Find out what your dedicated times are for your local supermarket:
Sainsburys Mon, Wed, Fri 8am to 9am for elderly and disabled customers| Mon to Sat 7.30am-8am for NHS and Social Care workers
Tesco Mon, Weds, Fri 9am to 10am for the elderly and most vulnerable | Tues and Thurs 9am to 10am for NHS workers. This is along with browsing hour before checkouts open on Sundays.
Aldi NHS workers, police and fire service get priority at checkouts everyday with a valid ID. This also includes any worker entitled to a Blue Light card, such as social care workers, first responders, St John Ambulance staff, and Age UK volunteers. They can also visit stores 30-minutes prior to opening on a Sunday.
Asda Mon, Weds, Fri 8am to 9am; Sun 9am to 10am for NHS staff and social care workers
Co-op Mon to Sat, 8am-9am; Sun 10am-11am: for elderly and vulnerable| Last hour for NHS staff
Iceland First hour for elderly and vulnerable | Last hour for NHS Staff
Marks & Spencer Mon & Thurs first hour for elderly and vulnerable | Tues & Fri: first hour for NHS and emergency service workers
Morrisons Mon to Sat 7am-8am, Sun 8am-9am for NHS workers | NHS workers receive a 10% discount at checkout with a valid NHS photo ID card.
Waitrose First opening hour for elderly, vulnerable and their carers | NHS staff and social care workers with ID get priority at the checkouts.
Online delivery slots
Instead of going out to supermarkets to buy food frequently, many people have turned to online shopping. Finding delivery slots is proving difficult for vulnerable people as slots are much less frequent than usual. To help combat this issue supermarkets are prioritising online delivery slots for vulnerable people.
If you, or someone you know, is a vulnerable person, you can register yourself or another person on the government's website here
