Covid marshals to patrol Sunderland's streets as lockdown 2 is lifted and tier 3 restrictions begin

Sunderland’s city centre and retail parks are to be patrolled by Covid marshals as shoppers make a return following the lifting of the lockdown.
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Non-essential retailers will be able to open their doors again from tomorrow, Wednesday, December 2, following the easing of the national restrictions, with the North East still under the tightest measure in Tier 3.

The Sunderland City Council marshals will be visiting shopping areas to offer advice on the latest rules, with a team of 10 to work alongside Sunderland BID, who already have their own Covid marshals in the city centre, and Northumbria Police.

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Sunderland City Council's Covid marshals pictured on Villette Road, Hendon, as they prepare to help shoppers stick to the coronavirus rules as the second national lockdown eases.Sunderland City Council's Covid marshals pictured on Villette Road, Hendon, as they prepare to help shoppers stick to the coronavirus rules as the second national lockdown eases.
Sunderland City Council's Covid marshals pictured on Villette Road, Hendon, as they prepare to help shoppers stick to the coronavirus rules as the second national lockdown eases.
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The council has also appointed six Covid officers who will be visiting businesses and working with them to ensure that they are complying with the latest restrictions.

The marshals’ role involves offering advice and support to members of the public and businesses on social distancing and other Covid measures in public spaces and making sure that people are following these.

This will include reminding people to wear face coverings, stay two metres apart where possible and washing or sanitising their hands regularly.

Their role is an advisory rather than an enforcement one.

Council Leader, Councillor Graeme Miller, said: "This is about keeping people safe. People in Sunderland have been excellent at following the rules since they were first introduced in March and I'd like to thank them for all the sacrifices they have made to do the right thing.

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"It's sometimes easy to forget what we should be doing and most importantly why - particularly when the rules have changed so many times.

"But it's vital that we all continue observing the basic Hands, Face, Space rules when the shops reopen, and particularly in the run up to Christmas when shops are like to be busier.

"So the Covid marshals are there to help out anyone who's not sure what the latest rules are, and to remind shoppers and businesses of what they need to be doing to keep themselves, their families and their community safe."

Under Tier 3 rules, people are still not allowed to mix with other households outside of their bubble, while pubs, cafes and restaurants are only allowed to trade as takeaways.

The measures will be reviewed on Wednesday, December 16.

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