Click & Collect services based in John Lewis department stores are now temporarily suspended, said the company, as it does its bit to cut non-essential journeys during the pandemic.

In addition, the firm says in-home services and installations will only be carried out if they are essential to customers’ well-being.

Waitrose will insist that all customers must wear a face covering, unless medically exempt or under the required age.

Morrisons, Sainsbury's, Tesco, Asda and Aldi all said this week they would also enforce the face covering guidance.

At Waitrose, marshals will be positioned at the entrances of all supermarkets.

They will have disposable masks available for customers who do not have their own and will deny admission to anyone refusing to comply.

They will also be ensuring that, “wherever possible”, only one member of each household is permitted to shop.

As an extra measure staff in Waitrose shops will now be required to wear face coverings when behind protective perspex screens and in back of house areas, in addition to the other areas where this rule already applies.

Andrew Murphy, John Lewis executive director for operations, said: “We are acutely aware that the country is at a critical point in the pandemic and are constantly thinking about how best we can play our part in limiting the spread and impact of the virus.

“We’ve listened carefully to the clear change in tone and emphasis of the views and information shared by the UK’s governments in recent days.”

Meanwhile, Kingfisher, the owner of DIY chain B&Q, has said it will be closing its kitchen and bathroom in-store showrooms while the rest of store space at sites will remain open.

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