Covid Safety Ambassadors to help keep the New Forest safe
The trained ambassadors will begin working across the district today
Last updated 2nd Dec 2020
As part of their Coronavirus response and work to help keep the area safe, New Forest District Council have trained Covid Safety Ambassadors (CSAs) who will be working across the area from 2 December as the new tier restrictions come in.
The New Forest District is in Tier 2 meaning you can't meet socialise with anyone you don't live with or who is not in your support bubble in any indoor place.
The 'rule of six' will apply outside, so no more than 6 people can get together.
WHAT WILL THE COVID SAFETY AMBASSADORS DO?
With funding allocated from central government, the four new Covid Safety Ambassadors will support residents, businesses and visitors to the Forest to understand and follow current restrictions.
They will be seen in areas across the district where people are likely to gather outside.
Cllr Diane Andrews, NFDC's portfolio holder for community affairs said;
"It's a comfort to see our friendly Covid Safe Ambassadors will be out and about as part of our community. We know that our residents want to do the right thing and our ambassadors will be able to offer the public reassurance and confidence, and give reminders on social distancing, wearing of face coverings, and good hand-hygiene."
"We have identified, with the help of our partners and other organisations in the district, some local areas that may benefit from someone on hand to offer reassurance and advice - for example in high streets on market days, at busy schools, and at transport terminals.
WON'T ENFORCE BREACHES
Cllr Andrews says the ambassadors won't be handing out fines
"The CSAs are not there to enforce any rare breaches, but if required, they will collaborate with other agencies on that, they are there to offer advice and reassurance to the public."
The team of CSAs are NFDC staff who, due to their existing skills, have been redeployed from other services.
They will wear orange/black branded hi-vis jackets with NFDC logo and 'Covid Safety Ambassadors' on and will have ID badges.
Jordan, who usually works in leisure services said,
"I'm really pleased that I can play my part in helping people to understand how they can meet the restrictions and keep everyone safe. It can be confusing when the rules change. I see my role as being able to give a friendly reminder and as someone to seek advice from."