Pukekohe New World shares first pictures of coronavirus precaution measures

A supermarket in South Auckland has shared pictures of how it intends to keep its staff safe as they work through the four-week lockdown.

A spokesperson for New World in Pukekohe posted a picture on Facebook on Wednesday to show off the brand new perspex screens for its cashiers.

"As an essential service we want to keep you safe while shopping in store, so have just installed protective screens so that we can give maximum protection to you and our team," wrote the spokesperson.

The supermarket is also aiming to have the majority of transactions be made through Paywave, and says it will have floor decals to show customers where to stand to ensure they maintain a safe physical distance.

Other supermarkets across New Zealand will have similar measures in place. 

Countdown will install the same perspex screens to protect people, as well as limiting the amount of people in store at any given time.

Customers will also need to pack their own groceries to limit contact.

"We understand that for some people these changes will be unsettling, but we want to do all we can to help prevent the spread of COVID-19," said Kiri Hannifin, Countdown's general manager of health and safety, in a statement on Wednesday.

PAK'nSAVE has announced it will equip it's staff with masks as well as installing screens and floor decals displaying a two-metre distance. 

The precautions come as New Zealand prepares to enter near complete lockdown. All non-essential businesses will close,and people are urged to stay in their homes to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Supermarkets, pharmacies and petrol stations are all considered essential businesses and will remain open throughout the lockdown.