Please note: If you have an apostrophe in your name, please don't include the apostrophe on the payment page
News
CORONAVIRUS UPDATE 29TH MAY 2020
Test and Protect: new clarification on defining 'contacts' in the workplace
We have some helpful clarification on how the Scottish Government's new Test and Protect strategy will be implemented in the workplace.
Under the new process which began yesterday (Thursday), anyone with one of the three key symptoms (cough, fever, loss of taste or smell) must book a test via NHS Inform or by calling 0800 028 2816
As soon as they have symptom they must self-isolate for 7 days and their household for 14 days.
If the test comes back as positive for Covid-19, NHS contract tracers will interview the individual to identify any 'close contacts' who would then have to immediately self-isolate for 14 days. The close contacts are not asked to get tested themselves as the test may come back negative if the disease is still incubating, with the risk an individual re-circulates in the population and sheds virus during the incubation period.
We have had contact from many members concerned that if a member of their staff tested positive that an entire business might have to self-isolate, or a significant number of co-workers. However, if physical distancing (2 metre rule) is implemented in a business, the working assumption is that co-workers of a positive case are not deemed 'close contacts' so would not have to self-isolate.
A 'close contact' is defined as:
• Those that are living in the same household as a case.
• Face to face contact with a case for any length of time within 1 metre, including being coughed on, a face to face conversation, unprotected physical contact (skin to skin), or travel in a small vehicle (e.g. car or van) with a case.
• Extended close contact (between 1 and 2 metres for more than 15 minutes) with a case.
If you do have unavoidable instances where staff may be within 2 metres for a short period, an individual assessment may be done of PPE measures in place (visors, masks, screens, gloves etc).
This is a reminder of the importance of physical distancing in the workplace. Not only will it protect your workforce, it will also now minimise significant disruption should a member of your team test positive for the disease.
The Government advice on how that may impact on your business is in the link here:
It includes information on how to self-isolate safely as part of Test and Protect, what plans need to be made by households and families, and how to help older people or those with underlying health conditions.
Additional support for self-isolation is also being made available to those who need it through the National Assistance Helpline.
Food Standards Scotland guidance and a risk assessment tool
Food Standards Scotland have updated their guidance on COVID-19 for food businesses:
This takes account of revisions in public health advice and feedback from industry, Scottish Government and Trade Unions.
The guidance package now also includes a new risk assessment tool and checklist to support FBOs in identifying and the measures they need to implement alongside their existing Food Safety Management System to prevent the spread of COVID-19. This can be used to demonstrate to Trade Unions and enforcement officials that they are maintaining these measures on an on-going basis to ensure staff and customers are protected from the risks of infection.
—Covid-19-guidance-for-food-business-operators-and-their-employees
Register your business for free at www.supportlocal.scot
Free to all members!!
More than 3,500 Scots have used the www.supportlocal.scot online directory to source Scotland's finest food and drink products during recent weeks of lockdown.
The website is a one-stop-shop for food-lovers to access nearly 300 local suppliers of all shapes and sizes; from brewing giants Williams Brothers in Glasgow, to Busta House Hotel on Shetland.
Created by industry body, Scotland Food & Drink, the supportlocal.scot platform aims to connect consumers directly with food and drink businesses.
Every Scottish region and every sub-section of the industry is represented, giving consumers a fantastic choice and the opportunity to sample new products or support their favourite brands.
The appetite of the Scottish public to support their local food and drink businesses has been clear to see since Coronavirus restrictions were introduced in March and businesses across the country have innovated to survive, none more so than the Independent butcher or farm shop who have serviced their local communities extremely well.
The directory really highlights the incredibly diverse and high-quality food and drink that Scotland has to offer.
It is extremely important that the Scottish public are made aware of local businesses and this one stop directory offers the solution to consumers.
Listings are free, any help you require please contact [email protected]
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