Covid-19 wardens on patrol

Covid-19 support wardens have visited Sherburn and Tadcaster during a rollout around the Selby district to provide information and advice to the public.

The Government has released the new road map of how restrictions will start to lift, depending on data so Selby District Council is looking at ways it can help keep the infection rate low within the district.

Leader of Selby District Council, Coun Mark Crane, said: “As part of the Council’s ongoing efforts to keep residents, businesses and communities safe during this time, we are pleased to be able to deploy Covid-19 support wardens across the Selby District.

“The introduction of the Covid-19 support wardens is a welcomed addition to our district.

“The wardens will work closely with us, Public Health and North Yorkshire Police to keep transmission rates down across the district and to reinforce the government advice of Hands, Face, Space.”

The council previously used Covid-19 support wardens over the Christmas period, as part of its work with the night-time economy.

Following that success, wardens will attending areas of higher footfall or where there might be concern around transmission rates to help encourage people to follow government guidelines, especially around social distancing measures.

Last week the wardens patrolled supermarkets in Sherburn-in-Elmet and Tadcaster and also visited Brayton Barff and Barlow Common. No issues were found in any of the areas visited.

The wardens are due to visit the Eggborough, Whitley and Selby area this week.

The council explained that the support wardens will wear high visibility vests and duties will include foot patrols, leaflet drops and engagement around areas where there is a spike in transmission rates.

It will not be their responsibility to enforce any of the Covid-19 regulations, but they will be able to offer advice.

Any enforcement action will be escalated and carried out by the Council’s Environmental Health Team or the Police.

A council spokesman added: “As restrictions start to change and more businesses start to open, the wardens will help businesses to reopen safely, by encouraging shoppers to follow social distancing measures and wear a face covering in stores unless exempt.”

People are advised to visit www.gov.uk/coronavirus to keep up to date with the latest Covid-19 guidance.