450 Covid inspections carried out
Ambassadors say 90 per cent of firms have high level of compliance
MORE than 450 inspections have been carried out by Covid ambassadors in the Staffordshire Moorlands.
They are playing a key role in supporting local businesses to ensure they are operating safely.
Since the end of November the ambassadors – employed by the district council and its alliance partner High Peak Borough Council to cover both areas – have carried out more than 450 inspection visits, with 90 per cent of businesses visited showing high levels of compliance.
Council leader, Councillor Sybil Ralphs, said: “It’s really great that we’ve seen such high levels of compliance with the guidelines and requirements that are in place to keep us all safe, and I’d like to thank residents and businesses for their ongoing commitment to following the rules.
“These results show the fantastic response from local businesses who have been at the forefront of managing the impacts of the health pandemic, and I commend them for all the work they have done and continue to do to keep everyone safe.
“They are being supported by our ambassadors, who are a key part of our collective efforts and are doing a great job in assisting local businesses to ensure they are operating in a Covid-secure manner.
“Their role is particularly important at this time because, even though we are in lockdown, the virus is still very much circulating in our communities, so it’s critical that we all do what we can to try and slow and stop it spreading.”
As well as working closely with businesses, the ambassadors can advise members of the public with any concerns they may have about breaches.
People can report any concerns via the council’s website at www.staffsmoorlands.gov.uk/ Contactenvironmentalhealth
Councillor Ralphs added: “Now more than ever, it’s critical that we stay at home as much as possible and, when we do go out for essential reasons, we must all keep our distance from others, wear a face covering where required, and wash our hands frequently.
“If you do need to leave home for work or essential shopping, and you are not displaying Covid symptoms, that also means getting tested regularly.
“The testing centre is now up and running at Biddulph Leisure Centre to enable you to do this – just book a slot online.
“The vaccine rollout offers us hope of brighter days to come but, for now, let’s remember that our actions count and do what we can to take care of ourselves and those we care about. Stay safe.”
To book a testing appointment at Biddulph Leisure Centre, go to https://staffordshire.zipporah. co.uk/trackandtrace/