POLICE in Worcester have stepped up patrols in the city's supermarkets this week to make sure shoppers are Covid-compliant.

A post on the South Worcestershire police Twitter account said: "All of Worcester’s major supermarkets have been visited today and will continue to be visited regularly.

"General compliance is high so thanks for that, however a gentle reminder to ensure your nose as well as your mouth is covered unless you are exempt."

This comes after major supermarkets including Morrisons, Tesco and Asda said they would take a tougher stance on customers who refuse to wear a face covering without a medical exemption, and will bar customers who refuse to wear one.

South Worcestershire local policing commander, Superintendent Steph Brighton, emphasised that police will continue to be visible and work with partners.

“We will engage and educate people, encouraging them to do the right thing to ensure we are doing our bit to prevent the spread of this deadly virus. If members of the public fail to do so or in instances where people are knowingly putting others at risk by flouting the law we will use the powers available to us.”