Cornwall gets its own Covid enforcement team
They deal with coronavirus-related concerns and complaints seven days a week
A new dedicated Covid enforcement team has been set up in Cornwall.
The group, created by Cornwall Council, will help deal with coronavirus-related concerns and complaints.
They are working seven days a week making sure businesses are following the rules and investigating any worries from the public.
The multi-disciplinary team, who work closely with Devon and Cornwall Police, Public Health colleagues and other partner agencies, includes environmental health officers, trading standards officers and licensing officers.
This core group is supported by colleagues from various departments who are also helping businesses adjust to the new restrictions.
The team’s focus is to work with and provide support to businesses. Enforcement action will only be used as a last resort.
“Compliance levels have been really high among Cornish businesses and we’ve found that most people want to do the right thing.
“We want to thank businesses for their support, and we will continue to work with them as we make our way through lockdown and prepare for the run up to Christmas.
“This new set-up will enable us to respond quickly to requests from businesses, as well as dealing with concerns reported by the public.”
Rob Nolan, portfolio holder for Environment and Public Protection
Since the start of the pandemic, Cornwall Council has received more than 4,800 covid-related enquiries.
Many of these have been from businesses asking for clarification about the restrictions and seeking advice.
“The Covid Enforcement Team are helping businesses adapt to the new rules and prepare for when the current restrictions are lifted.
“The officers will be visiting businesses and helping owners and staff members feel confident that they have the correct measures in place.
“The team will also be responding to and, where necessary investigating, complaints made by members of the public.
“We encourage people to report their concerns but we also ask that you don’t jump to conclusions as there are some significant differences to the current restrictions compared to the previous lockdown.”
Mark Luxton, Head of Community Protection, Licensing and Enforcement at Cornwall Council
Business owners and staff can request support and information via the Business Regulatory Support Hub. The hub also provides weekly webinars to keep businesses updated on the latest guidance. To date these have been attended by more than 3,000 people across Cornwall.
Cornwall Council has a dedicated email address for all queries related to Covid19 - covid19@cornwall.gov.uk.
For general Covid-19 enquires you can call Cornwall Council on 0300 1231 118 - the lines are open 0830 to 1800 Monday to Friday.