Covid marshalls break up groups of people during late night shopping in Truro
Some pubs were also reminded to follow the new guidelines
Covid marshalls were called into action during Truro’s late night shopping when they had to break up groups of people.
The city held its first late night shopping event of the festive season last night with people taking advantage of the extended opening hours.
Rob Nolan, Cornwall Council Cabinet member for public protection, said that he had been in the city centre with covid marshalls.
He said that the event had gone well but said that some groups of people had been asked to disperse and some pubs were reminded to follow the new guidelines.
Cllr Nolan said: “The pubs were busy but we have had marshalls out giving assistance and advice where needed.
“We have broken up groups of over six gathering in the street together last night and given them advice.”
Cllr Nolan added: “We are telling people in town wear your mask, keep your distance, wash your hands and we are all going to get through this.”
And he advised people that rather than just wearing a mask when entering shops it would be better to wear it all the time.
He said: “Wear your mask while wandering around town, don’t wait until going into the shops, wear it all the time.”
Cllr Nolan said that many of the covid marshalls are “ambassadors helping and giving advice”.
But he said that some do have enforcement powers which meant they could ensure rules are being followed if necessary.
Cllr Nolan said that some shops were planning to continue operating longer opening hours to help thin out crowds in the weeks leading up to Christmas.
The Government last week announced that local councils should help businesses to extend their opening hours where necessary.
Cllr Nolan said that shops were looking to remain open until 8pm, as they do on late night shopping events, and said that some had indicated that they will be opening until 10pm in the week leading up to Christmas.
He said that the council would not stop them from doing that and said it would help to reduce crowds.