Aldi CEO Giles Hurley has made an urgent appeal to every shopper who heads into the one of stores belonging to the supermarket giant this festive period that they respect the Covid rules

Aldi’s boss has appealed for Christmas shoppers to once again step up and follow Covid restrictions that have been put back in place for everyone’s safety.

The supermarket giant has taken the unusual step to publish an email where the CEO Giles Hurley has asked for people to think about each other and not take risks over Covid during the festive period when shopping.

Hurley said that restrictions are being put in for the benefit of staff and customers, reported the Manchester Evening News.

“As we head into the festive season, I want to personally thank you for your ongoing support,” he said in an email.

“Working together, we have continued to make changes to protect you and our colleagues, who have worked tirelessly to ensure all of our customers can get everything they need from Aldi.”

The email went on to outline the new guidelines that will see facemasks obligatory in Aldi stores.

He said: “I am writing to you today to reassure you that following the latest government guidance, masks are again compulsory in all of our stores across the UK, unless you have a medical exemption.

“We are asking all customers to be responsible and follow this guidance when shopping with us. Our Aldi colleagues will also be doing their bit by wearing masks too, as they have throughout this year.”

The Aldi boss also explained the measures that the stores have in place to help limit the spread of Covid.

“In addition, all of the comprehensive safety measures you will be used to seeing in store will continue to be in place,” he said.

“We have protective screens at all 7,000 of our checkouts. All stores have sanitisation stations for customer use. There are clear signs reminding customers to wear a face covering and shop responsibly.

“We have separate entrances and exits in place. We are encouraging payment by card or contactless when possible, with an increased contactless limit of £100.”

At the same time, the email outlined opening times: “The majority of our stores are open from 8am – 10pm every day (Sundays 10am – 4pm) and our amazing colleagues are on hand to help you shop safely and find everything you need.”

Giles added: “So as we prepare for Christmas, I hope that you, your friends and family are well, and we look forward to seeing you at Aldi over the coming weeks.”

The supermarket has issued the email at the same time as the government has stepped in to increase Covid restrictions following the potential threat posed by the new variant Omicron.