Long queues in South Shields as shoppers keep their social distance during coronavirus lockdown

Long queues have been seen outside supermarkets and pharmacies in South Shields, on Friday, March 27 as shoppers observe the social distancing rules brought in to curb the spread of coronavirus.

Supermarkets and other essential retailers have now brought in strict new guidelines to keep shoppers apart, with many limiting the number of customers allowed in at one time.

On Friday morning, shoppers could be seen queuing down King Street as they waited patiently to stock up at Boots Chemists.

People have been instructed to stand two metres apart in keeping with the measures brought in by the store earlier this week.

King Street has been quiet - aside from those buying essential items - since the Prime Minister effectively put the country into lockdown.

On Monday, March 23 he announced strict new measures, ordering all “non-essential” retailers to close.

Along with the rest of the UK, South Tyneside residents must now only leave their home for a few specific reasons.

This includes essential shopping, outdoor exercise once a day, unavoidable travel to and from work and tending to medical needs.

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Shopping trolley’s were poised once again outside Asda in Coronation Street, as supermarkets are believed to have been at their busiest for days.

Shoppers have been queuing out of the door - while maintaining the required social distance from each other - in keeping with the strict measures brought in to help protect customers and staff as they respond to the crisis.

Asda, along with Tesco and Sainsbury’s, is limiting the number of shoppers allowed into stores.

It has also introduced additional changes, including markers on the floor to help customers keep two metres apart, barriers, signs and announcements.

On Friday, March 27 it was announced that supermarkets would be using Government data on those most at risk, to help vulnerable people get the supplies they need.

An Asda spokesman said the company is "working with Government and some of our fellow supermarkets to ensure those people who have been identified as highly vulnerable get what they need and are protected from Covid-19".