Coles has told shoppers to pack their own groceries to limit the spread of coronavirus.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The supermarket giant has written to customers with a new set of rules aimed at keeping its stores safe for shoppers and staff.
People have been told they must not enter stores if they are sick, and should handle their own bags and pack their own groceries to limit the risk of spreading the virus.
They have also been asked to wash or sanitise their hands before entering stores and shoppers must stay 1.5 metres away from others at all times.
Special directions will be provided at checkouts to make sure people in queues don't get too close together.
The retailer is spending an extra $1 million a week on extra cleaning and security guards, with special attention paid to sanitising high contact surfaces including trolleys, baskets, and checkout areas.
And customers are being encouraged to pay via tap-and-go.
Masks and gloves are not being recommended for shopping, in line with health department advice.
Bakery departments are also making changes, with items including bread baked on site to be pre-wrapped to ensure products are not contaminated.
Checkout staff will also be regularly rotated.
"We know this is a big change for customers, and we are asking that we can all work together and make that happen from today," Coles Chief Operations Officer Matt Swindells has told the Nine network.
Meanwhile, Woolworths is rolling out so called sneeze screens at its manned checkouts, along with extra security guards.
Plexiglass screens have already been installed at some stores, with the rest to follow in coming weeks.
It is also enforcing social distancing, with staff greeting shoppers to wipe down baskets and trolleys, and directing people to information boards about how how to maintain a safe distance, and details about purchasing limits on some products.
Woolies is also keeping some self-serve and express checkouts closed, to ensure people are not too close to each other.
Australian Associated Press