CREWE shoppers will need to ensure they are wearing masks at Tesco, Asda and Morrisons.

Asda and Tesco today followed the lead of Morrisons in by saying they are to bar those entering their stores without face masks, unless they are medically exempt.

Supermarkets have been criticised for not doing enough to stop people breaking Covid-19 rules, although enforcement of face coverings is the responsibility of the police.

Tesco has a superstore and two Express stores in Crewe and rules regarding mask wearing will now apply as Covid restrictions tighten amid rising coronavirus cases.

A statement said: "We won't let anyone into stores not wearing a face covering, unless they are exempt.

"We are also asking customers to shop alone, unless they're a carer or with children."

The supermarket giant says it will be using 'additional security'. It is permitted to deny entry to premises as it is private property, then can call the police if someone refuses to follow the rules or becomes abusive.

Asda says if customers forget their face coverings they will continue to offer them one free of charge.

But a spokesperson added: "Should a customer refuse to wear a covering without a valid medical reason and be in any way challenging to our colleagues about doing so, our security colleagues will refuse their entry."

In England, the police can issue an on-the-spot £200 fine to anyone breaking the face-covering rules.