POLICE and council officials will visit supermarkets and other retail businesses in a bid to ensure they are following coronavirus rules.

Targeted visits will be made across the BCP area to ensure shops are doing all they can to keep people safe and that members of the public are following the rules.

A spokesman for BCP Council said: "Transmission during the pandemic has been mainly through households, but the virus can spread easily in public spaces such as supermarkets if people don’t follow the rules and the right measures aren’t put in place."

Since the new year environmental health and trading standards teams have received 69 complaints concerning compliance with the COVID-19 legislation, most relating to supermarkets and other retail businesses.

Four more schools ask pupils to self-isolate

Premises have been visited and, in some cases, retailers have closed off non-essential clothing, homeware and concession areas.

Others have stopped click and collect services or are getting tougher on the wearing of face coverings.

Some retailers will also be deploying security guards or COVID marshals to manage customer numbers and keep shoppers safe.

And council staff will monitor the number of people within stores, the two-metre distance rules and cleaning schedules.

Aggressive man tells shop worker 'I hope you get Covid'

Councillor May Haines, BCP portfolio holder for community safety, said: "It is encouraging to hear of the successful work between the council and retailers, and we are looking forward to our joint working with Dorset Police to continue our engagement to protect our community. With the worrying news on the rising case rates, it is really welcome that they are playing their part to keep everyone safe.

"We would like to remind our residents to protect the community by only leaving home if absolutely necessary and to remember 'hands – face – space' wash your hands, wear a mask and keep to the two-metre rule - one in three people could have COVID-19 and no symptoms, so act like you’ve got it, or they have."

Superintendent Heather Dixey, of Dorset Police, added: "We are committed to supporting our partners and communities throughout this pandemic. Our local authority partners are continuing to work with businesses to ensure they comply with the regulations.

"We will be visiting known supermarkets where it has been identified there is low compliance. This will not be to carry out enforcement, but to help support our businesses and partner agencies. We will intervene if anti-social behaviour is associated with non-compliance by a member of the public. Everyone is being asked to do their bit to help protect the NHS and save lives."

If you are clinically extremely vulnerable or shielding and can’t get delivery slots or support with shopping, call our Together We Can helpline on 0300 123 7052.