Asda defends Covid policy over packed store photographs

Asda has defended its safety policies over Covid-19 after photos emerged of its Durkar store being packed with customers at the weekend.
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The photos have attracted huge amounts of criticism on social media for the supermarket giants with the pictures apparently showing little in the way of social distancing.

But Asda has responded this morning and said: "We have extensive measures in place across all our stores such as Covid-marshals, protective screens, social distancing signage and numerous hand sanitiser stations.

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"Our customers can rest assured that we continue to follow all government guidance as we have since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.’’

Asda at the weekend.Asda at the weekend.
Asda at the weekend.

Wakefield councillor, Michael Graham, was vocal about the situation and said he had contracted Asda about the photos.

Coun Graham said: "A number of residents have contacted me to raise concerns with social distancing measures in place at local supermarkets.

"As you can see from the photos I have been sent of Asda Durkar, supermarkets have been busy and this has made it difficult for shoppers to keep 2 metres apart.

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"Supermarket staff are doing their absolute best in difficult conditions and supermarkets have made many changes to ensure customers stay safe, including more deliveries and increased click & collect.

Asda said they were following the rules.Asda said they were following the rules.
Asda said they were following the rules.

"I have written to Asda’s CEO Roger Burnley to ask if the store will review the current measures in place at Asda Durkar including the maximum number of people allowed in store at any given time.

"I have also written to Glynn Humphries, service director for communities and environment at Wakefield Council regarding this issue."

Heather Lavery, who posted the photos said she spoke with customer services, the manager and even rang the police out of desperation when nothing was done about the situation.

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She said: "Common sense seems to have gone out the window and I am very concerned for all the people who were in Asda today this was not a case of a few more people in the store than should have been, it was heaving like Christmas Eve with no crowd control.

"Shame on you Asda putting profits before the health of customers and your staff."

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