QUEUES were seen snaking around the car park of a Basingstoke supermarket today which has adopted a new one-in-one-out policy.

Asda, in Brighton Hill, is restricting the number of customers inside its store at any one time, so that everyone is able to stay two metres apart while shopping.

Other supermarkets are also reportedly adopting the same policy, while some stores are installing floor markings to help with social distancing.

The new social distancing measures at Asda resulted in customers having to queue up in in the car park before being allowed inside the store.

Asda announced that it would introduce various measures across its stores from today, including markers on the floor to help customers keep their distance, and hand sanitiser available for customers to use when entering and leaving.

Perspex screens will be installed at its checkouts to protect staff and customers.

However, these appear to have not yet been implemented in the Basingstoke branch.

Roger Burnley, chief executive and president of Asda, said: “I know these are worrying times and that you’re probably trying to ‘carry on as normal’ whilst doing your best to look after friends and family. I’m massively aware that Asda – and all the supermarkets – have such an important role to play in making sure you and your community have the essentials you all need and I wanted to personally reassure you that we are working really hard to keep our shelves stocked and serving your community.

“We’re taking our responsibilities to respond to Coronavirus – Covid-19 really seriously. First and foremost, let me promise you that looking after you and colleagues is our number one priority, which is why we’re staying close to the advice from Government to make sure we’re doing the right things.

“Just as you are at home, we’re making every effort to try and help limit the spread of bacteria and have put additional cleaning materials in our stores. We’ve also asked our cleaners to focus on cleaning more frequently in the ‘high traffic’ areas. To make it easier for you to clean trollies and baskets before you use them, we’re topping up the cleaning stations in our foyers even more regularly.”

A queue had also formed outside Lloyds Pharmacy at Brighton Hill this afternoon, as customers waited to be served inside the store.