MORRISONS will be refusing entry to customers who will not wear a mask without proof of an exemption from today, Monday.

The supermarket chain, which has a store in Green Oaks Way, Widnes, has decided to be more stringent with its measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Chief executive David Potts said: “Those who are offered a face covering and decline to wear one won’t be allowed to shop at Morrisons unless they are medically exempt.

"Our store colleagues are working hard to feed you and your family, please be kind.”

This comes after a shopworkers’ union said it has been 'inundated' with complaints from its members, who say they are 'deeply concerned' for their safety in response to members of the public flouting rules.

Usdaw urged supermarkets and food retailers to revert to 'stringent' restrictions and said that staff – who are classed as key workers – must be 'valued, respected and protected'.

Usdaw general secretary Paddy Lillis said: “Retail staff are working with the public every day and not only suffer increased abuse, but are deeply worried about catching Covid-19.

“Where safety measures are agreed, retailers need to make sure that they are being followed consistently, in every store.

“We are also very concerned by reports that too many customers are not following necessary safety measures like social distancing, wearing a face covering and only shopping for essential items.

"These key workers must be valued, respected and protected.”

It comes as Professor Chris Whitty, England’s Chief Medical Officer, predicted that the next few weeks could be the worst of the pandemic to date.

England has recorded more than three million cases and 80,000 deaths linked to the coronavirus.