Shops warned over Covid-19
TWO Cynon Valley shops have been told they could face the threat of closure unless they improve their safety measures to tackle coronavirus.
The stores are two of seven across RCT to have been given a warning by officials.
TWO Cynon Valley stores have been warned they could face closure if they do not improve safety measures surrounding Covid-19.
The shops – Lidl in Aberdare and the Co-op store in Penrhiwceiber – are among seven across Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) to have been issued with the warning.
The Public Health and Protection team at RCT Council is continuing to visit businesses across the county to make sure that they are adhering to the coronavirus protection regulations that came into force across Wales in August.
Some have been criticised for not ensuring that social distancing guidelines are followed, and for not providing hand and cleaning sanitiser products when needed.
Council officials have visited more than 40 stores across the local authority area.
The council said it was taking a “tough stance” on businesses to ensure they continue help to keep shoppers safe.
Last week, the council announced six supermarkets had been issued with improvement notices.
It later announced the Co-op store in Penrhiwceiber had been added to the list.
The other five stores served with improvement notices were: Tesco, Talbot Green; Aldi, Porth; Morrisons, Porth; Iceland, Pontypridd (Taff Street); and Co-op, Ynysybwl.
All seven stores were given 48 hours to correct the issues noted by the council or face further enforcement action – including potential closure.
On August 10, RCT Council – along with all local authorities in Wales – was granted powers under the Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (No. 2) (Wales) (Amendment) (No. 4) Regulations 2020, to control, minimise and prevent the risk of exposure to Covid-19.
RCT Council leader Andrew Morgan said: “Council officers have inspected more than 45 supermarkets across RCT.
“All of those inspected have been advised on ways to improve how they operate, however eight supermarkets will receive follow up visits and [seven] are being served with improvement notices.
“During the inspections a number of businesses were advised on the regulations and made improvements immediately and have continued to enforce these.
“This has resulted in the businesses avoiding an improvement notice being issued.”
He raised concerns relating to supermarkets not just across Rhondda Cynon Taf, but on behalf of Wales.
Councillor Morgan added: “While supermarkets and businesses across Rhondda Cynon Taf are being asked to improve how they operate within Covid-19 regulations. Each and every one of us who use these stores have to follow the rules, take more care and remember to social distance and use hand sanitiser etc.
“As the recent events over the past few days have shown us, the virus hasn’t gone away, but together by following the guidelines we can keep RCT and Wales safe.”