The much-heralded 'Covid Marshalls' announced by the Prime Minister earlier this month have yet to arrive in Rutland or South Kesteven.

More than a week ago, Boris Johson announced stronger enforcement of rules and guidelines to help prevent a rise in Covid-19 cases.

Measures included mandating pubs and restaurants to record their customers for the NHS Track and Trace system, with "Covid Secure Marshalls deployed to check up on such premises.

He said: "Fines will be levied against hospitality venues that fail to ensure their premises remain Covid secure.

"We will boost the enforcement capacity of local authorities by introducing COVID Secure Marshalls to help ensure social distancing in town and city centres."

A register of Environment Health Officers will also be created for local authorities to use when they need extra help cracking down on venues that fail to keep records or follow social distancing rules

However, a spokesman for Rutland Council told Nub News: "Having announced the introduction of COVID Marshals in England, the government has indicated that local authorities will be left to decide what role they fulfil, although there will be no additional funding from government to support this.

"Here in Rutland, we've been making use of our Environmental Health and Trading Standards Officers to monitor things like social distancing and work with local businesses to help them implement national guidance.

"These arrangements have been in place for several months now, based on the needs of our local communities, and are working well. However, we continue to keep all our COVID practices under constant review and will consider the use of dedicated Marshals, if needed."

South Kesteven District Council told Nub News: ""The widespread support SKDC has provided for its residents, businesses and communities throughout the pandemic will continue.

"We are waiting for further information from the Government about the specific role of Covid-19 Marshals."

The comments come amid reports of a further tightening of restrictions by central government as case numbers continue to rise..

Yesterday, Public Health England reported 29 more cases in Lincolnshire, with a total of 3015.

But Rutland reported no new cases yesterday, with its total remaining at 126.

Within the Lincolnshire total, South Kesteven was up 5 at 516, and South Holland remained at 739 with no new cases.

Melton also reported no new cases, with its total remaining at 247.

Across the UK, numbers increased 4422 to 390,538 in total, out of a population of 67 million.

The number of deaths increased yesterday by 27 to 41,759.