Buckinghamshire gets Covid marshals
They'll mostly be seen in retail areas for now
Covid marshals are now out on the streets of Buckinghamshire.
They have no enforcement powers, but their aim is to give advice to people on things like mask wearing and social distancing - with a focus on retail areas at the moment.
Efforts will initially focus on the county's main retail areas, as all shops open again under the new Tier 2 restrictions.
Although the new team has no enforcement role, their advisory work supports the activities of Buckinghamshire Council's Environmental Health and Trading Standards Officers.
They are providing more detailed additional help to local businesses, such as those selling food and drink, to make sure they know how to follow the latest rules and government guidance.
The Trading Standards and Environmental Health teams are also working jointly with the Police to help with general covid safety awareness raising as well as in response to local concerns or enquiries.
Commenting on the new initiative, Buckinghamshire Council Cabinet Member for Regulatory Services, Fred Wilson said:
"The scheme will provide advice and guidance at a busy time, just as retail is reopening following the national lockdown and when people are going back into shopping areas in the run up to Christmas.
"We want to encourage people to come into our shopping areas again, and having a visible, reassuring advisory presence will be helpful to shoppers and businesses alike."