Covid marshals on their way to Stoke

Six Covid marshals are ready to hit the streets of Stoke-on-Trent within weeks – to crack down on residents and businesses flouting lockdown rules.

They will descend on high footfall areas and be backed up by increased patrols from Staffordshire Police.

Each marshal will carry a QR-code booklet containing the latest advice on getting tested, staying safe and following the guidance.

And businesses will be helped to stay within the guidance – although they can be closed down by the council for repeated rule breaks.

Marshal Trevor Slater-Kinghorn said:

“Our role is to assist, support and give advice to the public and businesses in any way we can and to help reduce the R-rate.

“We have guidance on the use of face masks and other Covid regulations, such as how to get tested. We also support the test and trace team, so if people are not on the computer we can help track people down and arrange telephone communications.”

Police have recently started fining rule breakers during the second national lockdown.

Sergeant Phillip Ferns said:

“As we’ve been dealing with the pandemic it’s been about engaging with the community, explaining what the new rules mean and encouraging people to comply with social distancing measures and the legislation. Unfortunately there will be a minority who ignore the guidance and there will be enforcement.”

News of the new recruits comes as Stoke-on-Trent has the sixth highest coronavirus rate in the whole of England. Covid marshals were appointed in neighbouring Newcastle borough weeks ago.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council leader Abi Brown added:

“It’s really great to see we’ve got six Covid marshals who’ll be out and about in the coming weeks, helping and supporting residents and ensuring that people are doing the right thing in terms of self-isolating and abiding by the guidance.

“They will be working closely with our trading standards team and public protection team ensuring that people are abiding by the rules.”