SUPERMARKETS across the county have put measures in place to allow NHS workers, the elderly and most vulnerable the chance to pick up the essential items they need.

Tesco, who has stores in Musselburgh, North Berwick and Haddington, put in place a browsing hour on Sundays for NHS workers.

It takes place before checkouts open and gives them time to shop for their essentials.

It has also put an hour aside between 9am and 10am on Monday, Wednesday and Friday to allow priority for its elderly and most vulnerable customers.

These measures do not apply to Tesco Express stores.

To free up more online delivery and click and collect slots for the more vulnerable, Tesco asks that’s customers prioritise shopping in store where possible.

Co-op, who has stores across the county, also has priority hours in place for NHS workers and those more vulnerable, these are 8am-9am Monday-Saturday and 10-11am on Sunday.

Asda, who has stores in Dunbar and Tranent, have introduced a priority hour for NHS workers in its larger stores every Monday, Wednesday and Friday 8am-9am.

Iceland’s Musselburgh store is their only one in East Lothian and during its first hour of trading, which is 8am-9am, priority will be given to NHS staff, who need to show their ID, the elderly and more vulnerable.

Iceland currently has some item restrictions in place, allowing customers to purchase one each of cleaning and hygiene products including toilet roll and antibacterial products.

Aldi introduced priority hours at their stores yesterday (Wednesday) morning.

Any emergency worker in the NHS, police or fire service will be able to shop from 8.30am-9am every Sunday.

Checkouts open at 9am and emergency workers will also be given priority here.

Aldi has also shortened its opening hours, with all stores now closing at 8pm Monday-Saturday to allow its staff to ensure shelves are fully stocked, and put restrictions in place across all its items..

Aldi has stores in Haddington, Tranent, North Berwick and Mussleburgh.

Lidl, who has stores in Prestonpans and Musselburgh, also do not have any priority hours in place.

However it does have quantity restrictions in place on certain products and have installed cough and sneeze proof checkout protection screens in all of its stores.