Covid marshals set to conduct ‘spot checks’ in supermarkets
COUNCIL WARNS STORES OF SAFETY VISITS
SUPERMARKETS across Hull have been contacted warning them safety checks will be carried out to ensure they are enforcing Covid safety rules.
Many shoppers have expressed concerns people have not been wearing masks or observing social distancing.
Earlier this month, Hull Live investigated how well customers were complying with social distancing and safety rules during essential shopping trips.
It revealed that Asda Kingswood was particularly bad for not enforcing the rules, with shoppers branding the leading supermarket “a joke”.
Hull City Council told Hull Live it would carry out visits to supermarkets and has now revealed it has written to all supermarkets in the city to warn them the measures they have in place will be scrutinised.
The council’s Public Protection Team and Covid Marshals will carry out the checks and those which fail to meet the necessary safety standards will be told they must improve, and advice will be given.
The visits are also intended to reassure the public and provide any necessary assurance and support to businesses.
Khaled Choudhury, principal environmental health officer, said: “We’ve written to local supermarkets and other shops to let them know we’ll be making these visits and checking how effectively they have implemented Covid-19 safety measures.
“These businesses and all of us who shop at them have a vital role to play in reducing risk of transmission in the community.
“If we find somewhere that doesn’t have adequate protection in place, we’ll let them know what they need to do and can provide the necessary advice and support to make improvements.
“If necessary, there are enforcement measures we could use to ensure standards are improved, but this is about working constructively with local businesses and supporting them to be as safe as possible.
“The role of shoppers in stopping the transmission of the virus to others cannot be underestimated and we will also be working to ensure everyone understands what they must do to protect themselves and others while shopping.”
If a supermarket or shop continues not to comply with the safety rules the council can take a number of steps.
Initially, an improvement notice will be issued to give the store 48 hours to comply. If those measures are not improved or implemented then the council can issue a fixed penalty notice of £2,000, which can rise to £4,000.
More serious or further breaches can result in further fines and court action.
The council can also close stores and repeat offenders could even face jail.
Cllr Mike Thompson, portfolio holder for public protection, says it
is vital supermarkets are as safe as possible to avoid the spread of the virus.
He said: “The aim of these visits is to improve safety for everyone, staff and customers, and to reduce the risk of coronavirus spreading through our communities as much as possible.
“We have been under varying degrees of restrictions for a long time now and it’s easy to let things slide or unwittingly become complacent. However, remaining vigilant is the most important thing all of us can do.
“The work of the team will place coronavirus safety at the forefront of everyone’s minds, identify where improvements need to be made and provide the relevant support.
“With lockdown in place, shopping is the one interaction most of us are unable to avoid completely, so it really is vital that it is as safe as it can possibly be.”