CORONAVIRUS UPDATE 9TH OCTOBER 2020

Physical Distancing & Facemasks Update
Food Standards Scotland have updated their guidance to include the following: –
Please note the change in guidance on use of facemasks in communal settings!

PHYSICAL DISTANCING
2 metres is the default physical distancing rule, and this should continue to be applied by
all food businesses including food retail establishments.

Exceptions to the 2-metre rule can only be applied in hospitality businesses (pubs and
restaurants), and only where additional risk mitigation measures are in place. (please refer to the guidance below on use of face coverings for retail food businesses which indicates that exceptions to the 2 metre rule with the use of screens and facemasks are acceptable).

All other food businesses covered by this guidance are required to apply 2 metre
distancing wherever possible throughout the workplace.

FACE COVERINGS

The wearing of face coverings is mandatory for customers in food retail and take-away
establishments. Customer facing staff in these businesses are also required to wear face
coverings where it is not possible to maintain 2 metre distancing, and no other measures
are in place to ensure physical separation (e.g. through the use of screening).
The wearing of face coverings is also mandatory in indoor hospitality venues for staff and
customers when not eating and drinking (e.g. when entering and moving around a venue).
Staff in non-public facing roles, such as kitchen staff, are exempt from wearing face
coverings where this may present health and safety issues.
There is also a mandatory requirement for ALL food businesses to ensure face coverings
are worn by staff in indoor communal settings, including staff canteens and corridors.

COVID-19_-_FSS_Guidelines_for_Food_Business_Operators_and_their_Employee

EHOs are checking use of correct cleaning chemicals.

We have been informed that, starting this week, the local authority Environmental Health Officers are checking that the correct cleaning chemicals are being used in relation to the updated guidance to food business owners from Food Standards Scotland.
They are specifically asking for proof of use of a BS EN 14476 virucide chemical for high contact points such as door handles.
The FSS document in the link above contains the guidance below: –

When purchasing new disinfectant products specifically for decontaminating areas check with your suppliers that these have been certified as effective against enveloped viruses such as coronavirus.
It is important to use reputable suppliers when purchasing chemicals for cleaning and disinfection purposes, and to be wary of products making claims that may not be validated.
Look out for products bearing the EN 14476:2019 standard which indicates that they
have been tested for efficacy against enveloped viruses (although not specifically the
virus responsible for COVID-19).

Please ensure you have complied with this guidance. Your chemical supplier will be able to direct you to the product you need.

First Minister statement summary

All pubs and restaurants across central Scotland are to be closed under new measures aimed at tackling a surge in coronavirus cases.

The new rules will apply to licensed premises across the central belt, including Glasgow and Edinburgh. They focus on 18 council and five health board areas: Greater Glasgow and Clyde; Lothian; Lanarkshire; Ayrshire and Arran; and Forth Valley.

Pubs and restaurants will be able to open in other parts of Scotland – but can only serve alcohol outdoors.

The new rules, which will be in force from 18:00 on Friday until 25 October, apply to about 3.4 million people.

There will be no mandatory travel ban, but people in central Scotland are being advised to restrict movement to their local area.

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