SUPERMARKET bosses have responded to concerns that staff are not enforcing the use of face coverings at Barrow’s Tesco.

One shopper said she had seen a number of people at the Tesco Extra supermarket without masks, which are mandatory inside without a medical exemption.

She said that on more than one occasion she had seen people walk into the store without a face covering without being challenged by staff or asked if they are exempt.

“I saw three people who walked in without masks on,” she said.

“I also saw another four at the checkout.

“How do people know they’re not exempt?

“If a busload of people go in without them what are they going to do then?"

Tesco bosses said they would not let anyone in their stores without a face covering unless they were medically exempt.

A spokesperson said: “Since the start of the pandemic, we have focused on ensuring everyone can get the food they need in a safe environment.

“To protect our customers and colleagues, we won’t let anyone into our stores who is not wearing a face covering, unless they are exempt in line with Government guidance.

“We are also asking our customers to shop alone, unless they’re a carer or with children. To support our colleagues, we will have additional security in stores to help manage this.”

Tesco previously addressed fears of two many people in the Barrow supermarket at once.

It said safety was a ‘priority’ and cited the traffic light system, which tells shoppers when they can safely enter.