Three new COVID Compliance Officers have started in Torbay this month to support and advise businesses on COVID restrictions.
They are employed to engage with businesses in a positive way; making sure they understand the requirements and are complying with the rules; so reducing the spread of the virus in our local community.
The new officers will be supported by senior officers from the Council’s Community Safety Commercial team who – as well as being there to engage and educate – also have the power of enforcement and issuing fines if necessary, though their primary role is to help to educate businesses to comply with the rules.
The new COVID Compliance Officers are funded by the Department of Housing, Communities and Local Government. Their aim is to create a local presence with proactive engagement, as well as responding to complaints from the public about premises not following the rules.
They provide additional targeted support and reassurance to the local business community and help with the effort to keep Torbay’s businesses safe. They are also work in partnership with the Police.
Torbay Council Leader Steve Darling said: “We are in no doubt as to how difficult these times are for business, and we know that the rules can sometimes appear confusing. That’s why we’ve got three new COVID Compliance Officers out and about to help business owners, managers and staff to fully comply with all of the safety requirements that are necessary to help curb the spread of COVID.”
Torbay Council Deputy Leader, Darren Cowell, said: “We must balance business continuity with safety; both for the general public and those working in the business themselves. I am very pleased to see our band of COVID Compliance Officers, helping more businesses to protect their customers and staff.”
The officers are clearly identifiable by their photo ID badges, which they will show when they arrive at any premises.
Anyone wishing to report concerns or seek advice about how COVID business regulations are being observed can let us know at https://www.torbay.gov.uk/health-and-wellbeing/public-health/coronavirus/covid-19-report-a-concern-or-complaint/
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