Covid Marshals coming to Bridlington
It's so they can make sure the re-opening of businesses is being done properly.
East Riding of Yorkshire Council is set to inspect businesses which reopened this week, under eased coronavirus restrictions.
Coronavirus Marshals and public protection officers of both councils are set to undertake the visits to pubs, bars and other venues, as well as non-essential shops.
They are set to offer businesses advice on how to comply with restrictions and government guidance, as well as to check for rule-breaking.
An East Riding Council spokesperson said coronavirus marshals would also be deployed at seaside towns, to ensure restrictions are followed.
It comes as venues including pubs and bars and non-essential shops welcomed customers back for their first day of trading under eased coronavirus restrictions on Monday.
Pubs, bars and other venues were allowed to re-open their beer gardens but patrons are still not allowed inside.
Shoppers visiting non-essential stores have been asked to go alone or with their households, with retailers told to close by 10pm.
East Riding Council Public Health Director, Andy Kingdom, said:
“Being able to go out and eat and drink outdoors is something that people are really looking forward to and if this is done responsibly, we stand a better chance of keeping the highly transmissible virus at bay.
“What I would ask people to do at this time is to plan ahead, if you’re going out with friends, agree what you’re going to do and what time you’re going to leave.
“Don’t go back to each other’s houses as when alcohol is brought into the mix, quite often people’s inhibitions fall away.
“There is a risk, but it’s controllable, the publicans and the people who run the restaurants and cafes have gone to great extent to make their premises safe, they put in coronavirus-safe systems, and if people follow them, they reduce the risk.
“You can still have fun, you can still be enjoyable and you can still have a tipple or two but you can do it in a safe, responsible way and then not feel the consequences in the morning which may be an infection which you may then pass on to somebody else.”
East Riding Council’s spokesperson said:
“Information has gone out to licensed premises to make them aware of their responsibilities under Step Two.
“There will be proactive visits by public protection officers during this week to offer support and advice to business as they re-open and deal with any breaches of the regulations.
“In addition, there will be coronavirus marshals who will have a presence in coastal areas identifying any areas of concern and informing officers so that any appropriate advice or action can be taken.
“Members of the public can report coronavirus restrictions breaches by contacting the council’s Public Protection team.”
More information for businesses is available for the East Riding at: www.eastriding.gov.uk.