Hertfordshire’s health chief has refused to name the supermarkets found defying Covid measures during unannounced checks. 

Last week Jim McManus, Hertfordshire’s Director of Public Health, revealed “several” of the county’s supermarkets were close to being hit with enforcement action after they were seen flouting safety rules. 

He warned shoppers to be wary inside the stores, adding inspectors had “come across situations” during the unannounced visits. 

Among things they were looking at were the use of face coverings, hand sanitiser availability, and generally whether staff were taking the necessary measures.

Watford Observer: Shoppers queue to be let into a Morrisons store. Credit: PAShoppers queue to be let into a Morrisons store. Credit: PA

Mr McManus explained the council cannot close stores but can “issue orders that require them to do things”, adding “several supermarkets have been close to that”.

The Watford Observer asked Mr McManus specifically which supermarkets he was referring to. 

He said: “We continue to work with local supermarkets to ensure that they are operating in a Covid-secure way.

"We are yet to issue fines to any supermarkets and we are pleased with the response of those previously warned, as they have positively addressed the concerns which were raised in order to ensure the continued safety of their customers.”

The county council also would not reveal the supermarkets.

A spokesman said: "In order to avoid a soured relationship and to encourage good behaviour via close and open co-operation with the supermarkets, the county council does not wish to give out the individual names of the supermarkets as we feel that appropriate action has already been taken."

Latest data for Hertfordshire revealed supermarkets were among the riskiest places to catch the virus.

Mr McManus said previously: "It is great that they feed the nation, but actually we have to operate safely because supermarkets will be – if we are not careful – one of the high sources of infection going forward. And everybody has to play their part.

“It is both residents and supermarkets together if we are going to get out of this. We have to be a team.”

At last week’s meeting Cllr Tim Hutchings, executive member for public health, acknowledged his past criticism of supermarkets and claimed they had done a lot recently “to get their act together”.

He also urged shoppers not to forget the circumstances when in store.