AS the coroanvirus pandemic continues, the UK learns to adapt to its new rules during lockdown.

Residents have been told to stay at home unless it is absolutely essential or an emergency.

In just a few short weeks, life as we know it has changed for everyone - but mostly for those key workers who are on the frontline fight against coronavirus.

From NHS staff to retail employees, everyone has a part to play in ensuring society has what it needs to continue.

Alun Roberts, of Hope, works for a local supermarket and he said his work-life has changed drastically - but for the better.

He told the Leader: "I work on the Tesco checkouts and there has been drastic but essential changes made.

"These include wearing gloves, frequent use of wipes - including cleaning the card machine after every use - and frequent squirts of hand sanitizer, even over the gloves.

"Customers queue for checkouts in busy times down a specific isle, there are limitations on certain products at tills, customers stock checkouts at one end and move directly to other end to pack up.

"Changes have been made in the staff area too, canteen colleagues enforce social distancing at tables."

Alun, who enjoys photography in his spare time, said the changes at home have made a very 'limited difference' to his life.

He was unable to celebrate his birthday on March 17 after planning to travel to Bath.

He added: "My Aled is doing his graphic design work, working from home instead of going to the office, my daughter Carys who is on year 2 of a Pharmacology degree at University of Bath is now at home (we had to fetch her over a week ago) and working on live links to the lectures etc.

"My wife Diane is a chiropodist with the NHS and, as yet, is still working and expects to be redeployed.

"My volunteer activity as washer in the kitchen of a charity has been suspended as have other activities so there is no church on Sundays but I use online services often on YouTube.

"We are unable to visit close family relatives - my dad is 93, sister and husband who need to self isolate, my pregnant niece, her husband (who is working from home) and family who need to self-isolate.

"There's no football to photograph and limited activities to engage in but these are essential changes."

The key worker is urging people to stay at home and only go out for the 'absolute essentials'.

He said: "Be kind and considerate at home to family members, at work with colleagues, whilst at the supermarket with staff, at medical establishments with NHS staff, or anywhere you may happen to find yourself when undertaking essential activities, etc.

"And keep your body and mind active."

Tesco stores previously reduced their 24-hour service in a bid to restock shelves during the coronavirus panic.

The chain has also begun giving priority access to NHS staff 9am-10am on selected days as well as a browsing hour on a Sunday.