Chichester supermarkets regularly inspected for covid-compliance, says council

Inspections focus on cleaning procedures; face covering compliance; signage; social distancing and other procedures, to help drive down coronaviru sinfection rates and keep the district’s residents and workers safe, a Chichester District Council spokesman said.

Supermarkets and essential businesses that are open during the lockdown are inspected because they are some of the few remaining places where people from different households are allowed to be in the same area, and being indoors, it is particularly important that the Covid restrictions are correctly followed, the spokesman said.

Covid Ambassadors and Community Wardens are also patrolling the district to provide advice and guidance and to make sure that residents and businesses are following the restrictions that are in place.

Councillor Penny Plant, Cabinet Member for the Environment at Chichester District Council, said: “These are really challenging times and so it is vital that we all do all that we can to drive down infection rates.

“Although we are currently in a national lockdown, everyone still has to go out for essential items from supermarkets and other businesses that are still open.

“Due to this, our focus is to carry out regular inspections to make sure that these businesses are providing Covid-Secure environments for both residents and workers.

“Our officers have been helping businesses since the start of the pandemic, by offering advice and making sure that they meet Covid-secure standards.

“They have also been regularly visiting businesses and responding to concerns raised by the public.

“We hope these actions will offer further reassurance to both our residents and businesses that the appropriate safety measures are being taken.

“It’s vital that we all play our part by staying at home, other than leaving the house for essential reasons.

“By doing this we will protect the NHS and save lives.”