Mask marshalls deployed to challenge non-wearers

A DERBYSHIRE council has deployed Covid marshals to challenge residents not social distancing, wearing face coverings or following other restrictions.

Amber Valley Borough Council has hired two Covid support wardens, using Government funding to patrol the area.

Cllr Paul Lobley, a borough council cabinet member, said the marshals would be helping to “support” businesses to comply with Covid regulations and to “challenge” residents not following the rules.

Government guidance says marshals cannot enforce regulations but will work closely with the council and police to report breaches. However, they can explain to residents what the rules are and how to follow them.

The marshals started this week and will patrol from Monday to Friday 9am through to 4pm.

Cllr Lobley, who represents Heage and Ambergate, said: “We have formally inducted them and...they spent some time visiting business premises in Ripley, where they were able to challenge some members of the public who were not wearing face coverings in our supermarkets. The businesses appreciated their help with this.

“The wardens will patrol the whole borough on a flexible rota basis so that we are able to react to complaints and enquiries that come into the council. If you have queries then please register them in the usual manner and we will distribute the work accordingly to an officer who is best placed to assist you.

“This may be a warden or it could be another officer such as one of our environmental health officers.”

Both of the wardens are Security Industry Authority (SIA) registered and wear borough council-branded uniforms, including a hi-vis coat.

The hours, days, and areas they operate are under constant review. This, Cllr Lobley says, is “so we may respond to what could be a fast paced and changing environment when, for example, lockdown restrictions end or we get the tier system reviewed on December 16”.

Covid marshals elsewhere in England are supplied with masks, hand sanitiser and hand wipes which they can distribute to people who need them and to clean key contact points such as car parking payment machines, ATMs and traffic light buttons on pedestrian crossings. Some are equipped with body-worn cameras.

They visit businesses to ensure they have measures in place to restrict the potential for the virus to spread, such as one-way systems, limits on the number of people allowed in at one time and social distancing signs. Marshals can also advise on best practice if they request support.

Borough council environmental health staff can also advise businesses on this subject and have been doing so throughout the pandemic. This includes reporting breaches which could see businesses lose their licences.

Government guidance on Covid-19 marshals says: “The role of Covid-19 secure marshals or equivalents is not to enforce Covid-19 regulations, or have any enforcement powers, which should remain the remit of the police and designated local authority compliance and enforcement officers.

“Covid-19 secure marshals or equivalents should instead engage, explain and encourage best practice and national Covid-19 secure guidance. Covid-19 secure marshals, or their equivalents are to:

■ ■Promote social distancing and encourage public compliance with Covid-19 public health measures

■ ■Educate and explain Covid-19-secure guidelines in the public realm and for business premises

■ ■Identify and support businesses and premises not following guidelines, escalating as appropriate

“These objectives will support businesses and the public, increasing understanding of Covid-19 public health measures, such as social distancing, wearing face coverings in appropriate settings and hand washing. This will increase public confidence in visiting high streets and using urban centres.”