Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
No fines issued yet for flouting virus lockdown
Refuse collectors may be at greater risk of contracting coronavirus because crews cannot always follow government guidance on social distancing. Biffa, which is contracted to collect trash from homes in many parts of the county, admitted it was “difficult” for crews to be separated with a distance of at least two metres. Three employees have to travel close together in a lorry from a depot to where the route begins.
A spokesman said: “Like key workers in other critical services, social distancing guidelines can be difficult to always be met especially with our collection crews.
“To help with this, our teams are briefed to follow our strict hand and hygiene protocols, wear the appropriate personal protective equipment such as gloves and self-isolate if they develop coronavirus symptoms. “By following this regime we are minimising the risk of spreading the virus within the bounds of what is practical with the essential service Biffa is providing to the UK.”
He added the health and safety of employees and those in the community is a “top priority”. “We are making every effort to apply social distancing measures where possible in our workplaces,” he said. Meanwhile, the boss of a crew of binmen pictured standing close together has defended his staff - who had “briefly forgotten” about the new coronavirus social distancing restrictions. A photo of the Serco workers taking a break in Canterbury after a “tough shift” was shared on social media.
Since the government instructed people to stay at home in order to slow the spread of Covid-19, more and more Facebook users are posting images of people apparently flouting the rules. A Canterbury City Council spokesman has since posted a clarification on Facebook from Serco’s operations manager Lucas Butler.
Mr Butler said: “This is a crew that had just finished a tough shift after starting early and had briefly forgotten as they shared a break together.
“We are providing our crews with all of the relevant guidance and are practising the two metre rule as often as we can, including drivers coming into the office one at a time.” He added: “The simple reality is that they are working hard, tired and sometimes they forget as they are only human after all. I will, of course, continue to reiterate the rules and keep our guys a safe distance apart.”
Police officers in Kent have not yet issued a single fine to people flouting social distancing rules aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus.
One police chief says the force doesn’t want to have to take enforcement action against those ignoring the lockdown restrictions.
Last week the Coronavirus Bill came into force, giving officers the power to issue £60 spot fines. Over the weekend, Lancashire Police issued 123 enforcement notices. But so far, Kent Police has not issued any.
Asst Ch Con Nikki Faulconbridge said: “As part of their routine patrolling across the county, Kent Police officers are engaging with individuals and businesses to ensure they are adhering to the Government’s instructions around social distancing.
“Officers are engaging with those going against the instructions, explaining why they are necessary and educating them to seek their compliance, with enforcement being used only as a last resort.
“It is therefore pleasing that enforcement has not yet been necessary in Kent.” Meanwhile Asst Ch Con Peter Ayling, responsible for local policing, says officers are doing their best under “tough, often frightening” circumstances. “To the fantastic officers and staff of policing - keep going,” he tweeted. “It’s tough, often frightening and you’re doing brilliantly. And to the fantastic communities of Kent and wider, you’re doing brilliantly as well. “We will engage, explain and encourage well before enforcing. We really don’t want to enforce.”
The force says it is yet to deploy any of the six drones at its disposal to enforce lockdown restrictions.
Police have tweeted about incidents where people have not followed the rules in recent days, included a group having a barbecue of Hythe seafront and playing golf near Sevenoaks.
‘We will explain and encourage well before enforcing’