Support marshalls in York help contribute to falling infection rates
The team have hygienically removed over 1,000 dropped masks so far.
York’s Covid support marshalls have advised over 1,000 groups of people, hygienically removed over 1,000 dropped masks and achieved a near 100% satisfaction rate.
The team of six is funded by recovery funds, which the City of York Council Executive will be asked to extend from the end of March for a further six months, to help support the city as lockdown restrictions gradually lift.
City of York Council said: "The team’s proactive and well-received approach includes monitoring areas where people gather, engaging with groups and individuals to remind them of social distancing, and supporting businesses.
"The marshalls also safely dispose of dropped face coverings which could pass on the virus and hand out masks and anti-bacterial gel where needed.
"Working with North Yorkshire Police and the York BID rangers, the city’s covid support marshalls have also been able to alert and advise on matters of public safety.
"To date, the marshalls have:
advised 1,100 groups of people
supported 775 businesses
handed out PPE to 161 people
picked up 1,062 dropped masks
earned a 98.8% satisfaction rating from people with whom they’ve worked".
Cllr Andrew Waller, executive member for economy and strategic planning, said: “We will need, as a city, to maintain many safety features of the last year going forward to keep Covid rates down whilst the re-opening happens, especially with new variants emerging.
“The marshalls’ expertise is helping support businesses to stay safely open, by signposting them to sources of advice on covid infection control measures, licensing, grants and other matters.
“With the Government’s roadmap now published, the team will bring added confidence in the city reopening safely. I’m grateful for their work and the advice that they have provided to businesses.”
Cllr Denise Craghill, executive member for safer communities, said: “Helping people stay safe has a direct impact on infection rates in the city. While the vast majority of people have been observing the advice to stay home, others have needed to be reminded to socially distance – and the marshalls’ satisfaction levels indicate they’ve done this in a measured and appropriate way.
“The extra targeted support they are giving to North Yorkshire Police officers and BID rangers is a welcome addition to help keep the city safe.”