New covid safety ambassadors on patrol in North Kesteven

Working for the district council and fully trained for the role, they will explain, engage and encourage best practice and compliance for businesses in various settings.

According to the council, they will cover different times of day in shifts and will work to identify and support those businesses that are open and found not to be following the Government’s Covid Secure guidelines.

They will also speak with customers not complying with the Covid guidance, such as not wearing a face covering unless exempt, wearing one incorrectly or ignoring social distancing inside essential shops, and encourage them to stick to

it to protect themselves and others.

The first of the two ambassadors is in place. He’s putting his previous experience including his role as a pub general manager in Old Somerby to use as well as training received specifically for the role. He is due to be joined by the second ambassador this week.

The Covid safety ambassadors will never call to a residential property, only working within business premises and public spaces, insists the council. They will be easily identifiable with uniforms including clearly marked high visibility vests, and carry identification documents.

Council Leader Richard Wright said: “As coronavirus cases continue at this high level in our district, across the county and nationally, the assistance of Covid safety ambassadors in North Kesteven could save lives.

“We’re also acutely aware of the importance of supporting residents in using their local high streets and centres to access essential goods and how vital this is for our local businesses.

“The role of the Covid safety ambassadors will be to work across North Kesteven explaining the Covid guidance and encouraging and engaging with both people and businesses not following it as they should, to help avoid the virus spreading

further through our communities.”

They do not hold the power to fine people but, if necessary they can escalate issues to police and environmental health officers. Mostly they will be providing reassurance. They are also required to carry bodycams as a precaution.

The ambassadors will be in place until the end of March, using Government funding.