Asda sanitisation stations

The supermarket also said a protective antimicrobial coating was being added to customer “touch points”

Asda has announced it is ramping up its Covid security measures for the run-up to Christmas.

The supermarket said it would be deploying extra security on the doors of all its 421 large superstores between 19-24 December.

Meanwhile its virtual queueing app Qudini has been rolled out to all of those stores, following an initial trial at its branch in Middleton, Leeds.

The virtual system allows users to book a place and log into a virtual queue with their phones, and wait in their cars to avoid extended queues.

Asda said automatic counting technology had been installed in its 100 busiest stores to control access and help customers to socially distance.

The supermarket also said a protective antimicrobial coating was being added to customer “touch points” such as fridge and freezer handles and checkout areas.

The coating, said to provide a protective film that helps to kill bacteria and viruses, is also being applied to all basket and trolley handles.

“The festive season is always the busiest time of year for our stores, so we have introduced additional safety measures to protect colleagues and customers during this period,” said Asda CEO and president Roger Burnley.

“These new measures will help customers get in and out of our larger stores quickly and safely and we are confident they will continue to play their part by respecting social distancing when they shop.”