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Updated Covid Guidance for Farmers, Crofters and Agricultural Workers

2 November 2020

Scottish Government has just published updated guidance on measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.  For full details see here.

The guidance is detailed and specific to agriculture and is a must-read for anyone involved in farming.  Key points of which you may not have been aware are that:

  • If you have suspected symptoms, or COVID-19 has been confirmed, you need to self isolate and must not be at work.
  • If you need to self-isolate you should do this at home, in your house.
  • If one person in your household becomes ill with COVID-19 symptoms, everyone in your household must self-isolate.
  • Employers should not ask farm workers who are isolating to come into work before their period of isolation is complete, in any circumstances.

For information about testing, and to book a test, see https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-getting-tested/

You should make arrangements in advance with friends, family or neighbours to care for animals if required.  If you are self-isolating and need help caring for livestock you can also contact RSABI on 0300 111 4166 (7 am – 11 pm) or online at rsabi.org.uk.

FAS have a range of resources to help you make a plan:  https://www.fas.scot/emergency-planning/

The guidance includes a range of other information covering what to do if someone in your household becomes ill, sick pay, mental health and wellbeing, working safely on farms and crofts, employing people, facilities on farm, managing others on site, livestock auction marts, transport for workers and PPE.  It also contains a full set of links to useful additional information and resources.

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