A NEW team is taking to the streets to help guide and support residents and businesses through the coronavirus pandemic in Worcestershire.

Covid advisors will be out and about in the county to support communities, offering advice, sharing the most up-to-date government guidance and supporting businesses as they work to keep everyone safe.

The Covid Advisor roles are being created in partnership with the county’s district councils and Worcestershire County Council thanks to funding from central Government.

The positions are now open for applications, with the equivalent of 20 full time posts on offer and the project will be managed by Worcestershire Regulatory Services.

Councillor John Smith, chairman of Worcestershire’s Health and Well-being Board, said: “The advisors are here to guide and inform everyone amid the difficult times we are facing.

“It’s not always easy to understand the rules and guidance so our friendly team will be on hand to help support people and businesses.

“We all want the restrictions to remain low in Worcestershire and we can only do that if we work together.”

The team will promote the Here 2 Help support available and the business advice on ensuring workplaces are safe.

Advisors will be given full training and protective equipment before going out onto high streets, estates and tourist hotspots to offer guidance to people on how to stay safe during the pandemic.

They will help ensure businesses keep sanitising stations and information points regularly cleaned and replenished, and remind people of the best routes through one-way systems in shopping areas.

The team will also help people enjoying nights out by encouraging social distancing and reminding residents of the rules.

Simon Wilkes, head of Regulatory Services for Worcestershire Regulatory Services, said: “The district councils have decided to pool their funding for this work so that we can target the areas of the County where support is needed most.

“Staff will be on hand in an advisory role only. Their focus will be on helping people to comply with the rules, reminding them of their obligations and assisting businesses with interpreting what is expected.

“Our team are here to help so feel free to say hello and ask questions if you are unsure of anything when you see them in your street.”

The salary for the role is £20,903 - £23,080 per annum (pro rata if part time) and the closing date for applications is Friday, November 6.

Anyone interested in applying for the roles can visit this link: www.wmjobs.co.uk/job/84170/covid-marshall/