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Tesco Ireland outlines further support during Covid-19

Posted on: 21 Oct 2020

Tesco Ireland has today moved to reassure customers that it continues to be well-placed to respond to the Level 5 Covid-19 restrictions.

Since March, Tesco has worked hard to maintain a safe shopping environment for colleagues and customers and this is an evolving programme of work, involving significant changes to date. To help customers shop safely during the incoming restrictions, Tesco has reinforced its efforts at its stores nationwide to respond to six weeks ahead. 

Extensive safety measures in place: 

  • External queue management technology which has been rolled out to all stores nationwide. This is a simple, accurate way of reducing queue times, supporting social distancing in store, and allowing colleagues to spend more time helping customers; 
  • Wet weather solutions will be rolled out to protect customers against the elements in the coming months;
  • New and improved hand sanitising stations and trolley/ basket cleaning stations are now in place. Tesco expects to use 13,500 litres of hand sanitiser in the next six weeks of Level 5; 
  • Further roll out of Scan as you Shop technology to help customers have an even more efficient shop and manage their budget as they go.
  • Graphic and audio reminders that colleagues and customers need to wear a face covering unless they have a reasonable excuse not to per the Regulations;
  • Added further Plexiglass screens at checkout areas - now at all available manned and self-service checkouts which helps protect colleagues and customers, so they feel more secure when checking out; 
  • Continue to work with suppliers to enhance stock levels of key products to ensure that everyone can get what they need.

 

Kari Daniels, CEO, Tesco Ireland, said, “We know this is an anxious time for those most vulnerable in moving to Level 5 restrictions. Customers can be reassured that if they need to travel beyond their 5km radius for food shopping as per Level 5 guidelines, their safety is our number one priority as it has been since this Pandemic emerged in March.

We’re always looking at ways to improve the experience for customers following the public health guidance as it evolves. Customers have responded very well to changes in stores to date and would anticipate they will continue to do so as we move into the Winter months. We have a strong and resilient supply chain, with very good availability, so there is no need for customers to alter their normal shopping habits.

 

Again, I acknowledge and thank our 13,000 colleagues for their consistent hard work in keeping each other and our customers safe at all times.”

To support those most vulnerable, Tesco continues to offer additional simple supports for those who need help most:

  • Exclusive shopping times (up to 9am Monday to Friday) for older people, those who are extremely medically vulnerable, and family carers to get what they need. The retailer continues to ask that all other customers understand and support this initiative to help protect those most in need;
  • To support healthcare workers, care workers and emergency services personnel, the retailer offers priority queue access for these groups at all other times. A member of these groups can present at the front of the queue with valid identification at stores to gain access;
  • Supporting the Government’s Community Call Initiative, volunteers will also be provided with priority access to the store and with free multi-shop trolley bags to aid with their shopping; the store team will facilitate over-the-phone payments and help with any other concerns they may have;
  • Continue to recognise the Sunflower Lanyard for those with hidden disabilities; available through our customer service desks in store;
  • Supporting the Irish Society of Chron’s and Colitis, whose members are living with inflammatory bowel disease. Our colleagues are familiar with the ‘No Waiting Card’, should an ISCC member require urgent access to our public toilets.