Tesco stores in Sunderland opening times, NHS hours, priority hours and social distancing rules

The supermarket chain cut opening hours of some stores after coronavirus lockdown measures were imposed in March.

Tesco still has priority times for NHS staff and elderly customers, and safety measures to protect supermarket staff and customers following the coronavirus outbreak.

Last month, Prime Minister Boris Johnson put the UK on lockdown – and told the public they must not leave their homes other than for a handful of ‘essential’ reasons.

Although these measures were initially put in place for three weeks, they were extended for another three weeks on Thursday, April 16.

We take a look at the changes to the stores:

What are the priority times for NHS staff?

Tesco has provided a dedicated shopping hour for NHS staff from 9am to 10am on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.

There is also a browsing hours before checkouts open at 10am on Sunday for NHS staff.

A Tesco spokesman said: “All we ask is, if you’re an NHS worker, that you bring a form of NHS ID to our stores, such as a staff card. This priority time will be available in all stores except Express stores.

“As well as priority hours, we’re giving NHS, emergency service, and care workers priority access to our stores to help them shop when they have the time. Please come to the front of the queue with your valid ID to enter.”

What are the priority times for elderly customers?

All stores (except Express) will be prioritising the elderly and most vulnerable between 9am and 10am every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

What precautions are being taken in stores to make shopping safer?

New social distancing measures are being put in place to reduce the risk of infection for our customers and staff. Here are some of the changes:

To help limit the number of people in-store, when you arrive, Tesco staff may help you park your car. If it’s raining or particularly cold, staff may ask you to stay in your car to queue – we'll let you know when you can come in.

Floor markings in car parks will help you to keep a safe distance when queuing.

Where necessary, Tesco will limit the flow of people coming into stores to make sure they don’t get too busy.

Hand sanitisers are being placed around stores as well as extra cleaning products to wipe down trolleys and baskets.

New floor markings will help you to keep a safe distance from others while waiting to pay.

Protective screens are being installed at checkouts.

If possible, use card or contactless payments.

A Tesco spokesman added: “Please try to shop on your own to help reduce the number of people in-store at any one time. We understand that this is not always possible, so if you need to bring children with you or shop with a carer, you are welcome to do so.”

When are Sunderland stores open?

Tesco Extra, Sunderland Retail Park – Open 8am to 10pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sundays.

Tesco Metro, The Bridges – Open 7am to 6pm Monday to Saturday except from Thursday when it is open between 7am and 8pm. Open on Sunday between 10am to 4pm.

Esso Express, Silksworth Road – Open every day from 6am to 10.30pm.

Tesco Express, Stockton Road, Seaham – Open every day from 6am to 11pm.

Tesco Express, Houghton Road, Hetton – Open every day from 6am to 11pm.

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