Businesses in Allerdale are being urged to help the NHS with its Test and Trace efforts.

Allerdale Council has issued a call to businesses to make sure they help with this programme by keeping a record of their customers and visitors for 21 days, “in a way that is manageable for the business and assist NHS Test and Trace with requests for that data if needed,” a spokesman explained.

“This could help contain clusters or outbreaks.”

Certain businesses, particularly those in the hospitality sector and other services in which close contact should be expected such as hairdressers, are being specifically asked to make sure this is done.

“There is a higher risk of transmitting Covid-19 in premises where customers and visitors spend a longer time in one place and potentially come into close contact with other people outside of their household.” the Allerdale Council spokesman explained.

The temporary records can be maintained “electronically or by paper copy, whichever suits the business.”