Covid-19 Town Centre Steward Cover

Description

On 17 December Central Bedfordshire was placed in the highest tier of Covid-19 restrictions. Covid-19 infection rates in Central Bedfordshire were increasing at a high rate across all ages despite the national lockdown in November 2020 and existing social distancing measures. Infection rates are continuing to increase, and additional measures are needed immediately to ensure the public are advised and guided to reduce contact with others and to follow central government covid rules and regulations with a view to stabilising and ultimately reducing infection and death rates in Central Bedfordshire and reduce the capacity pressures that increasing infection rates are having on the NHS. Whilst Council officers provide advice and guidance to the public there is a need to provide an additional presence to support that message directly. Central government have advocated the use of such stewards in the following guidance: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-local-authority-compliance-and-enforcement-grant/guidance-to-support-local-authority-compliance-and-enforcement-activity-including-covid-19-secure-marshals-or-equivalents#covid-19-secure-marshals-or-equivalents This sets out that COVID-19 secure marshals, or their equivalents are to: • promote social distancing and encourage public compliance with COVID-19 public health measures • educate and explain COVID-19 Secure guidelines in the public realm and for business premises • identify and support businesses and premises not following guidelines, escalating as appropriate • These objectives will support businesses and the public, increasing understanding of COVID-19 public health measures, such as social distancing, wearing face coverings in appropriate settings and hand washing. The Council does not have the resources available to provide the additional visible presence needed for Covid-19 Stewards. As such funding provided by central government to support the control of Covid-19 will be used to employ the stewards.