COVID marshals are here to 'help and advise'
Covid marshals will be reminding people about social distancing, face-coverings and hand washing. - Credit: GettyImages / iStockPhoto / Rich
Hertsmere COVID-19 marshals have started work across the borough, offering support to help keep residents, visitors and businesses safe.
The marshals’ role is to remind people of the importance of social distancing, wearing face-coverings and regularly washing their hands, among a range of duties aimed at helping people feel as confident and comfortable as they can in public areas.
They will also advise local businesses on queue management and on one-way systems.
The marshals, who will be easily recognisable because of their high-viz jackets, will act as the council's 'frontline'.
While they do not have powers of enforcement, they will be able to report issues to the environmental health team, or the police when needed, to investigate further.
READ MORE: Shop Local: COVID-secure support team will help people enjoy town centres safely
Leader of the council, Cllr Morris Bright MBE, said: "The marshals are here to help and advise our local communities of the latest coronavirus guidance and rules.
"This lockdown the marshals will initially focus on supermarket safety, which has been identified as a key area of concern. Please speak to them if you are unclear of the latest regulations or have any questions about how to keep yourself and your family safe and within the rules.
Most Read
- 1 'Garden thieves' caught on camera in Welwyn
- 2 Welwyn Garden City school earns prestigious development award
- 3 Explained: What the cost of living support package means for you
- 4 The latest court results for Welwyn Hatfield and Potters Bar
- 5 Every household in the UK to get £400 to help with rising energy bills
- 6 Cuffley home care company recognised among best in east of England
- 7 Local man will be flying high in an effort to raise much needed funds for Potential Kids
- 8 Spectacular Grade II listed home near Hatfield on the market for £3m
- 9 TfL removes over 100 London buses after EV blaze in Potters Bar
- 10 Queen's Platinum Jubilee: Changes to rubbish and recycling bin collection days in Welwyn Hatfield
"If you are approached by a COVID-19 marshal, please cooperate with their request and be respectful, they are doing their best in difficult circumstances."
As well as concentrating on supermarket safety, the COVID marshals work in partnership with the police whose ‘Operation Sunrise’ initiative includes a high-visibility presence in busy town centre hotspots as well as proactive patrols and reactive response where required.
Chief Inspector Mark Bilsdon, Herts police, said: “Under Operation Sunrise, we have lined up extra resources for dedicated patrols to be out and about, encouraging compliance with the coronavirus regulations in our communities.
“I thank the majority of people for doing the right thing and using face-coverings, maintaining social-distancing, following the latest rules and self-isolating where necessary.”
The COVID-19 marshals, who are funded by central government, will be on duty across the whole of Hertsmere.