Are COVID Marshals a Good Idea for Your Business or Event?

The UK Government has been clear – we need to strike a balance between getting people back to work and shoppers back on the high street whilst minimising the spread of the virus. As a result, a string of measures has been announced. And it could be that COVID marshals will make all the difference.

What are the current post-lockdown rules?

From wearing masks in shops and shared communal spaces to pubs closing at 10 pm, the UK Government recently announced a raft of measures that help to minimise the spread of the virus, whilst allowing us to be able to shop and socialise.

In the majority of cases, people will follow these rules but there are times when the presence of COVID marshals will help;

• Local COVID rules

Many of the rules are similar in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland but there are some variations. Some counties have also been placed into tougher lockdown style restrictions too and so using local COVID marshals is key to ensuring that local rules are followed.

• Helping anxious customers

Some people feel anxious about leaving their homes post-lockdown. Others find the new rules confusing with this uncertainty leading to anxiety.

It is important, for example, when asking customers why they are not wearing a face mask in the shop to do so in a way that is not confronting nor overly challenging. There are medical reasons why people are exempt from wearing a face mask and yet we also hear stories of people being hounded and harassed when they have legitimate reasons not to wear one.

Our COVID marshals are trained to work with people to keep them and others safe, and to do so without conflict or ‘causing a scene’.

• Giving out the latest accurate information on rules

The one thing we have learnt throughout the ongoing pandemic is that the rules of what we can and can’t do, and with whom, where and when, have changed – and they’ll change again, possibly several times too!

We are given notice of changes in the rules but some people still need help and guidance understanding them, especially as to how they relate when they come into your store or work premises.

Our trained COVID marshals can engage with people in an informative way. For vulnerable people in our society, this is especially important. Staff need to be able to help a variety of people which, on top of their other duties, can be tough. Our marshals are the people who can help everyone!

• Welcoming people to shop safely

Your consumers still want to engage with staff. They still need help to find things or access discounts and other special offers. Life isn’t just about the coronavirus and so our COVID marshals are an important asset for welcoming people back to your business – and safely.

Protect the business from fines and closure

Just as there are responsibilities that we must do as individuals, businesses have responsibilities to ensure that staff and customers are safe. Failure to take action or to remedy problems could lead to a hefty fine. For some businesses, this could mean closure.

Our COVID marshals will safeguard your business and your staff as well as helping to keep customers safe too. Call us on 0844 800 0071 to find out more about hiring COVID support staff anywhere in the UK.