Two ‘covid wardens’ appointed in Broxtowe to help ensure businesses and shoppers were following guidelines have said there has been a ‘step change’ for town centres, and that firms were ‘nearly at the stage they were at pre-COVID-19.
Back in June, Broxtowe Borough Council announced plans to hire ‘queue police’ and ‘social distancing wardens’ for its four town centres when non-essential shops were reopening.
The plan was later rebranded as ‘COVID information officers’, designed to work with businesses and spot where enforcement action was needed.
Now, the two officers have said while issues remain, including around beauticians, businesses were reporting positive results.
Covid officer Zahid Javid said: “During my work I have seen a ‘step change’ in the business community.
“At the start, I had businesses talking about shutting down, but now several are at a stage where they are happier, and nearly at the stage they were at pre covid-19.
“To enable this ‘step change’ we must educate the businesses on how they can improve customer confidence in their area as a whole, but also ensure they are implementing all the relevant government guidelines and methods.
“Our job does not stop at health and safety, we also assist them with ideas and strategies.
“We also try to encourage businesses to use social media to display their efforts in combating covid-19 in their store and outline the measures that have been put in places for the safety of the customers.
“At the start we had businesses unaware of the government guidelines and new legislation.
“I am of the opinion that covid-19 officers have prevented businesses being closed or be shut down by environmental health due to a lack of knowledge in this area.
“I also think the role has helped educate members of the public and ‘break down barriers’ within Beeston, and I am very proud of this.
“After this pandemic has passed I believe the Covid-19 officers will still have a role ensuring the businesses have suitable support moving forward.”
The other covid officer, Janice Owen said: “Businesses have in the main listened and acted on guidance and appreciated the patrols. In Stapleford, Kimberley and Eastwood, I have adopted a ‘wave and goes’ system, having seen the businesses initially and given guidance.
“A wave to the business staff member who waves back if all is ok, with the opportunity to beckon me in if required.
“Exceptions to this are where guidance has significantly changed for certain businesses and premises are visited to ensure understanding and best practice.
“The businesses of greatest concern in respect of long-term sustainability are those in the beauty sector.”
