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Coronavirus support advisors hit streets of Wolverhampton to promote safety message

Coronavirus support advisors have hit the streets of Wolverhampton in a bid to help keep people safe – and encourage them follow the rules.

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Councillor Steve Evans with new covid support advisors Angelo Cutrera and Larisa Miraabela-Gavaaz.

The 17-strong team will advise people to follow social distancing, handing out face coverings and offering advice to shoppers across the city.

The group, which are unable to issue any fines, will see the group carry out checks to businesses to ensure they are complying with coronavirus rules.

And they will refer any business flouting the rules to environmental health officers to take enforcement action – which could lead to a business being closed down.

Covid-compliant businesses will be handed a sticker to signify they are safe for shoppers, with a total of 160 already receiving the sticker since the scheme launched last Friday.

Councillor Steve Evans, Wolverhampton Council’s cabinet member for city environment, said: "The vast majority of people know we are in this together and are doing the right thing to look after each other and keep each other safe.

"Our Covid support advisors are there as a light touch measure to provide some reassurance to the public, to provide support and advice because sometimes the rules can be confusing and to encourage people who are not following the rules to do so.

"They are not there to be heavy-handed or to issue fines, they are not enforcement officers. They are there to build relationships with people and offer advice and guidance.

"They will be giving out free face coverings to the public and issuing green-tick Covid Compliant stickers to the vast majority of businesses who are doing the right thing."

The advisors have been introduced after discussions were held by Wolverhampton Council and business representatives.

The group, who will be able to get around on buses and the Metro, have been employed on temporary contracts and are being funded by money from central Government.

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