Booths to open one hour early today (Sunday), for NHS, police, fire services, army personnel and social care workers

The supermarket said on its Facebook page that the early opening was 'a thank you to our NHS, police, fire services, army personnel and social care workers for everything you’re doing for us right now'.

It said: "All stores will be open from 9am, with the exception of Media City store, which will open at 10am, to enable you (NHS, police, fire services, army personnel and social care workers) to get the food and household essential items you need at the time when our stores will be best stocked.

"Our tills will open at the usual opening time as we need to comply with Sunday trading laws, but you will be able to browse and fill your baskets from opening.

"For everyone else relying on the fantastic work these teams are doing for us, we ask that you please respect this time and allow them to get what they need for themselves and their families.

"Please only come to the stores from 10am, or from 11am at Media City. Thank you for your understanding."

The supermarket added: "We know many of you may be concerned about recent uncertainty around the Coronavirus.

"Booths wanted to let you know we’re doing everything we can to supply the food and essentials your family needs. If we all shop for the food that we and our families need, there will be enough for everyone.

• We’ve ordered more stock of essential items.

• Our stores and manufacturing sites have elevated their already high standards of hygiene, incorporating additional cleaning, disinfecting procedures and frequency.

• We have taken the decision to limit some of our customer tastings, but some supplier led tastings will continue. We will ensure the highest levels of hygiene are upheld.

• We encourage customers to pay by card for purchases to limit the handling of cash and have asked our colleagues not to offer cash back. If you’d like cash back, please just ask.

• Our loose artisan bread and cakes on our in store bakery tables will be wrapped for the time being.

• We’ve also taken the decision to close our in store Cafés for the foreseeable future. All cafes will be closed by the end of Friday 20th March 2020, with our café colleagues deployed elsewhere in store.

"How can you help?

• Buy only what you need – we’re replenishing regularly.

• Use card or contactless payments where possible.

• Keep your distance from others in queues and whilst browsing the store.

• Wash your hands regularly or use sanitiser and avoid touching your face.

• Please treat our colleagues with kindness and respect.

• Ask friends and neighbours if they need shopping. Sharing the shopping will help the vulnerable to stay well.

"We’d like to encourage you to shop outside of 9.30am to 11am Monday to Friday to allow our vulnerable and elderly customers priority to shop."