Clearly not required in Midsomer Norton today (November 9) where shoppers were sticking to the coronavirus rules.

But from tomorrow two Covid Safety Officers will be out and about in Bath city centre to encourage social distancing, advise on current coronavirus guidelines and support businesses.

Two uniformed officers will be out and about in areas of high footfall and will work closely Bath & North East Somerset Council's CCTV team, the police and Bath Business Improvement District (BID).

The officers will promote social distancing, encourage compliance with coronavirus public health measures and will explain the guidelines to people out and about in the city. The roles will be in place until February next year.

Councillor Dine Romero, B&NES council leader, said: "We have been awarded £74,000 government money to fund Covid Safety Officers and to fund additional officers to our Public Protection Team which has been working with businesses to ensure compliance with Covid regulations.

"The Covid Safety Officers will encourage people to do the right thing when they are visiting the city. The aim is to remind and reassure people about the coronavirus guidelines, ensure people are following the hands, face, space guidance in order to stop the spread of the virus.

"The rate of infection has risen rapidly. We have to bring it down and take personal responsibility to prevent the further spread of this disease. Having Covid Safety Officers out and about will be a visual and practical reminder to people to follow the guidance. Where people or businesses are not doing the right thing then the Covid Safety Officers can advise or escalate, if necessary, to the police or our Public Protection teams."

Allison Herbert, chief executive of Bath Business Improvement District (BID) added: "Having Covid Safety Officers in the city, will offer reassurance to residents, visitors and businesses. It is a challenging time for businesses and Bath BID is doing all it can to make sure that our businesses can operate safely. The presence of Covid Safety Officers will act as a reminder to everyone to play their part, socially distance and follow the guidance to keep themselves and others safe."