CORONAVIRUS UPDATE 29TH JANUARY 2021

Facemasks clarification

We had a report of member being “advised” by an EHO that they should be using FFP 2 OR 3 grade masks, particularly in customer facing areas. We are also aware that the Scottish Government have indicated that they were looking at this.
At our regular meetings with Food Standards Scotland, we have repeatedly raised this query. We have indicated that if this were the case then there would be an impact on the NHS due to businesses trying to source these medical grade face masks. Also, we have pointed out that the cost of these face masks is substantially greater and would be a significant burden for our members to take on.

We have the response below from Food Standards Scotland.
These are not specified by the Regulations-the Scottish Government website is quite clear that a face covering can be a covering of any type, except a face shield, that covers the mouth and nose. It is recommended that it be made of cloth or other textiles and should be two, and preferably three, layers thick and fit snugly while allowing you to breathe easily.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): public use of face coverings – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

We understand there is to be a British Standard published on appropriate face covering standards but this would not require the use of FFP 2 or 3 masks which are PPE for clinical settings.
In non-healthcare settings face masks are not considered PPE-and would not require the use of FFP2/3 masks.
Many members have informed us that there has been friction in shops due to some customers not wearing or refusing to wear facemasks.
We have raised this with FSS and the Scottish Government, particularly as it is not clear whether someone is entitled to an exemption or not.

Update to members Health and safety policy

The Scottish Craft Butchers Health and Safety policy has been reviewed and our advisors have added some updates to include the COVID situation.

Please find a copy attached.

Vaccination update

515,855 people Scotland have received their first dose of a Covid vaccine

There is no indication that the Scottish Government is going to change priority groups for vaccination based on key industry status.
The message is clear that they will follow the current plan of vaccinating by the stated age groups and healthcare professionals.
Plans for mass testing of individuals in the food industry using lateral flow tests were discussed in England.
We are aware that there will be discussions next week with the Scottish Government on this subject but that it will most likely be for staff in meat plants and large food processing facilities.
We will update you on this if anything changes.

The Scottish Craft Butchers office in Perth is now closed following government guidelines.
We will be available to our members to answer any queries via email or by mobile phone and will be available out of office hours for any members wanting to contact us.
Our contact details are below
Gordon King: [email protected] 07917524313
Bruce McCall: [email protected] 07834490922