Coles has introduced new health and hygiene procedures within their stores as a precautionary measure to protect both their staff and customers from the spread of COVID-19.

The supermarket giant announced yesterday that there will be increased cleaning and sanitisation as well as new measures put in place to ensure social distancing.

“We know that health and safety is front of mind for lots of our customers at the moment,” Coles wrote in a customer notice on their website. “And we want to let you know that we’re working closely with the Department of Health to ensure the most effective protection for both you and our team members in our stores during the COVID-19 situation.”

Customers will be required to sanitise their hands prior to entering the store with extra cleaning and sanitisation being introduced in high contact areas. Trolleys, baskets, checkouts and self-service screens will also be cleaned regularly.

Coles Bakery will also implement new measures to ensure customer safety and hygiene. Single item bakery goods will be pre-wrapped and on-demand bread loaf slicing will no longer be available.

Once at the checkout, customers will be asked to queue at marked signs and proceed with packing their own bags to avoid close contact with staff. Customers will not be allowed to enter the store if they are unwell.

These measures follow a number of changes that have been made within the supermarket and grocery industry as a result of COVID-19. This new health and safety measure comes after  Coles’ decision to employ over 5,000 more Australians to help with increased demand for supplies amid the pandemic.

Supermarket chain Woolworths announced today that they too will follow suit, making 20,000 more positions available to those who recently lost their jobs in industries such as hospitality and aviation.

Woolworths Group CEO, Brad Banducci, states that the company is working with several customer-focused businesses who have been impacted by the coronavirus, with Woolworths doing their part to help those who have lost their jobs get through these tough times.

“We’re confident the strong service skills and work ethic of candidates from these businesses will be highly transferable to Woolworths,” Banducci said in a media statement made by the Woolworths Group.

Photo:  By Darren.notley available ‘HERE’ and used under a Creative Commons Attribution. The image has not been modified.