Wardens join bobbies on the Covid beat
LOCKDOWN patrols by street wardens and police are reinforcing the ‘stay at home’ message as Covid puts local NHS services under huge pressure.
Middlesbrough Council wardens, neighbourhood police officers and PCSOs are teaming up to remind people of the rules which are in place to save lives.
The patrols are focusing on areas of Middlesbrough where intelligence suggests people are gathering in groups.
Middlesbrough Mayor Andy Preston said: “Decent people get really annoyed when they see others paying no attention to lockdown.
“The vast majority of people in Middlesbrough are doing the right thing, but there are still issues for us to tackle.
“Our wardens are on the side of decent people and I’m pleased they are working closely with Cleveland Police to ram the message home.”
The dedicated patrols are designed to educate people on lockdown and provide reassurance in response to public concern.
Cleveland Police has a separate team of officers responding to reports of Covid breaches.
Neighbourhood Inspector Darren Birkett said: “Since the beginning of the pandemic our officers have been out, working with people to help them understand the importance of the Covid guidelines.
“Whilst enforcement action has always been a last resort, it is important that we carry out operations like this to strive to reduce the spread of the virus.”
As of Thursday, Middlesbrough’s infection rate was 422 per 100,000 population, with James Cook University Hospital treating a high number of critically ill patients.
Council wardens are distributing advice letters in multiple languages to ensure different sections of the community are clear on lockdown rules.
The patrols, part of Operation Talla, will continue throughout the national lockdown.
Source: (The Northern Echo)