Farmers have been cautioned against any degree of complacency creep in around social distancing and HSE guidelines as the COVID-19 crisis enters its third week.
Irish Creamery and Milk Suppliers Association (ICMSA) farm affairs chair Denis Drennan said he was concerned by reports that some farmers going to co-ops stores and feed merchants are not observing the protocols.
The onus is on us to respect them and their staff and also to observe the regulations
Some farmers might be slipping back into their normal “social mode”, he said.
“This just can’t happen. In fairness to the co-ops and the merchants, they’re staying open as an essential service to farmers and the onus is on us to respect them and their staff and also to observe the regulations and recommendation around distances and disinfecting.”
Procedures
Drennan said farmers should be ringing ahead and abiding by the stores procedures as to when and how to collect the order.
He warned that if problems emerge around social distancing in co-op stores and feed merchants then they would be closed down also.
“The virus is extremely contagious so we must keep our distance from others that enter our farm – and people entering the farms should be kept to the absolute minimum,” said Drennan.
Guidelines
He outlined four principles farmers should abide by:
Avoid all interactions with milk hauliers. Ensure the bulk tank and door handles are disinfected prior to arrival. Leave soap and paper at the sink so visitors can easily wash their hands. Avoid contact with delivery people. State clearly prior to delivery where goods can be left and where to place the delivery docket. Do not assist the delivery person during this time. Minimise contact during vet calls and maintain two metre distance from vets at all times. Farmers over the age of 70 need to be particularly vigilant and must avoid all contact with visitors on farm. “We all know the strain and anxiety out there but equally we all know we have to keep he focus on and be disciplined. Above all, we have to respect the regulations and procedures to protect ourselves and the people working with – and for – us,” he concluded.
Farmers have been cautioned against any degree of complacency creep in around social distancing and HSE guidelines as the COVID-19 crisis enters its third week.
Irish Creamery and Milk Suppliers Association (ICMSA) farm affairs chair Denis Drennan said he was concerned by reports that some farmers going to co-ops stores and feed merchants are not observing the protocols.
The onus is on us to respect them and their staff and also to observe the regulations
Some farmers might be slipping back into their normal “social mode”, he said.
“This just can’t happen. In fairness to the co-ops and the merchants, they’re staying open as an essential service to farmers and the onus is on us to respect them and their staff and also to observe the regulations and recommendation around distances and disinfecting.”
Procedures
Drennan said farmers should be ringing ahead and abiding by the stores procedures as to when and how to collect the order.
He warned that if problems emerge around social distancing in co-op stores and feed merchants then they would be closed down also.
“The virus is extremely contagious so we must keep our distance from others that enter our farm – and people entering the farms should be kept to the absolute minimum,” said Drennan.
Guidelines
He outlined four principles farmers should abide by:
Avoid all interactions with milk hauliers. Ensure the bulk tank and door handles are disinfected prior to arrival. Leave soap and paper at the sink so visitors can easily wash their hands. Avoid contact with delivery people. State clearly prior to delivery where goods can be left and where to place the delivery docket. Do not assist the delivery person during this time. Minimise contact during vet calls and maintain two metre distance from vets at all times. Farmers over the age of 70 need to be particularly vigilant and must avoid all contact with visitors on farm. “We all know the strain and anxiety out there but equally we all know we have to keep he focus on and be disciplined. Above all, we have to respect the regulations and procedures to protect ourselves and the people working with – and for – us,” he concluded.
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