A HAMPSHIRE council is urging local businesses to continue to follow lockdown guidance.

Following a steep increase in COVID-19 cases across the region and numbers continuing to remain high, Fareham Borough Council is urging local businesses to ensure that they are fully adhering to the current national lockdown guidance.

The Environmental Health Team will be carrying out spot checks on retailers across the Borough from corner shops to large supermarkets to check their COVID secure measures are fit for purpose.

Focus will be on ensuring there is an adequate queuing system at entries and at checkouts; that measures are in place to support social distancing, such as floor markings and that people not wearing masks are challenged.

Enforcement action will be taken if serious breaches of the COVID regulations are found.

Executive Member for Health and Public Protection, Cllr Trevor Cartwright said: “The national lockdown measures have been put in place for everyone’s protection.

"One in three people who have the virus have no symptoms, so these measures will not only prevent the spread of the virus and protect the vulnerable, but prevent our NHS from being overrun and ultimately save lives.

“I cannot stress the importance of adhering to the national guidelines enough and urge business owners to take advantage of the grants and assistance which have been put in place for their benefit.

"The only way we will be able to get through this is by working together and following the rules.”

Only essential retail businesses are permitted to stay open. Full details can be found at www.gov.uk/coronavirus.