// Tesco reveals further changes to the way customers shop in stores amid coronavirus pandemic
// CEO Dave Lewis wrote a letter to customers on Sunday to inform them of the changes
// Some of the changes relate to new social distancing measures
Tesco has implemented further changes to the way customers shop in stores in a bid to tackle the ongoing coronavirus crisis.
The Big 4 grocer’s chief executive Dave Lewis wrote in a letter to customers on Sunday that the current situation was “difficult for everyone”.
Some of the changes relate to new social distancing measures such as its new one-way systems for its aisles, and even more checkout protection for staff, while other changes include the removal of restrictions across the majority of its products.
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Lewis also wrote in the letter that Tesco workers will see their staff discount rise by 15 per cent for the next four weeks as well as a 10 per cent bonus for staff across its stores, distribution and call centres.
As part of its ongoing measures, Tesco is introducing one-way aisles across its stores.
“As well as the measures we shared with you previously, we’re introducing one-way aisles and a ‘one-in, one-out’ system in stores,” Lewis said.
“We’ve maintained longer opening hours to minimise potential queuing. Do ask your local store team for the quiet times.”
The grocer has increased the limit on contactless payments from £30 to £45 per shop, while customer can also use the Tesco Pay+ app from Tesco Bank.
Meanwhile, the majority of Tesco’s product restrictions have been lifted after stock levels saw an improvement.
From Sunday, limits will only remain on essential items such as toilet rolls, pasta and hand sanitisers.
Moreover, new delivery slots have been announced. In the last week, Tesco was given an initial list of 110,000 clinically vulnerable and isolated people by the government.
From this list, Tesco identified 75,000 existing customers who will now have home delivery slots created for them.
The letter also advised customers to ask their local stores for the quietest times to visit to avoid queuing.
Tesco has also introduced protective screens at its checkouts in a bid to minimise the risk of Covid-19 transmission.
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