BRITAIN’S new coronavirus marshals have been dubbed powerless “Covid Wombles” by some cops, say reports. Boris Johnson has said they will be used to check up on pubs and restaurants and dish out fines if social distancing rules are being broken. He said: “Fines will be levied against hospitality venues that fail to ensure their […]
BRITAIN’S new coronavirus marshals have been dubbed powerless “Covid Wombles” by some cops, say reports.
Boris Johnson has said they will be used to check up on pubs and restaurants and dish out fines if social distancing rules are being broken.
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He said: “Fines will be levied against hospitality venues that fail to ensure their premises remain Covid secure.
“We will boost the enforcement capacity of local authorities by introducing COVID Secure Marshalls to help ensure social distancing.”
However the Daily Telegraph reports some senior officers claim they just don’t have the resources to respond to the marshals’ reports making them powerless.
Brian Booth, chair of the West Yorkshire Police Federation said: “We are snowed under with our usual police work so the real issue for us is one of resourcing.
“If we are suddenly inundated with calls from members of the public or marshals reporting illegal gatherings what are we going to do?”
Another senior police source reportedly said: “Are they going to be going out in high-viz jackets with two metre sticks to measure distances between people?
“It’s more Covid Wombles than marshals.”
Ken Marsh, chairman of the Metropolitan Police Federation, also said cops have been left “absolutely baffled” by the announcement.
A team of the hi-vis wearing enforcers are already a presence in Cornwall to ensure that locals are “respecting social distancing”.
One marshal said people give him a thumbs up in his new role adding “I especially like helping reassure some of our older residents.
“I’ve got to know the local businesses and it’s great to know they’re all really keen to do what they can to make their customers and staff feel comfortable,” he added.
“So far, most visitors have been really co-operative and do their best to follow the guidelines and respect social distancing.”
