Supermarkets and businesses in Powys have been warned that they will be shut down if they don't comply with social distancing and other measures to stop the spread of coronavirus.

Powys County Council says it will "not hesitate" to use its enforcement powers to issue improvement and closure notices if necessary.

It follows reports of a small number of non-compliant businesses in the county, and some alleged problems at supermarkets.

"Powys businesses have made a huge effort to keep customers safe," cabinet member Cllr James Evans said. "With that being said, we are receiving a small number of reports of non-compliant premises and the council will not hesitate to use its enforcement powers to issue improvement and closure notices if necessary.

“Our Trading Standards and Licensing Team are working closely with the police and other partner organisations at this time and are closely monitoring compliance levels within in Powys.

“Overcrowded premises and social distancing not being complied with pose a big risk to public health through risk of spreading Covid-19 this is simply unacceptable. We are urging businesses to be vigilant, to maintain social distancing, and to record the details of customers so that we can all move forward and overcome this virus.

“The council is here to help, so if businesses need assistance or are unsure of what guidance applies to them please check the website and get in touch.”

Pubs, restaurants and hairdressers have a requirement to ask for their customers’ contact details for contact tracing purposes to help stop the spread of the virus.

Businesses are expected to record a full name, telephone number and the date and time of a customer visit and retain this information securely for 21 days.

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