Thousands sign 'Key Worker' petition
A key worker is classed as someone who is considered essential to society.
Campaign calls on the government to add vets and RVNs to 'Key Worker' list
A petition has been launched calling on the government to add veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses to the 'key workers' list.
A petition has been launched calling on the government to add veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses to the 'key workers' list.
The petition comes in response to the government's announcement that all schools in the UK will close from Monday, except for children of key workers and vulnerable children.
A key worker is classed as someone who is considered to be essential to society - and will need to continue going to work to support the fight against COVID-19. Examples include police, NHS staff and supermarket delivery drivers.
The government has stated that children who do not fall into these groups 'should remain at home with appropriate care'.
The petition, started by veterinary surgeon Rebecca Thorne, states: “We urge the government to add Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Nurses to the Key workers list. With school closures coming imminently this will affect a lot of our colleagues should they need to take care of children.
“We have a public obligation to take care of our clients and their pets as well as the risks to public health should we not be able to provide preventive healthcare to animals. Please consider our urgent request. The Veterinary profession tends to be forgotten about in situations like this but we are all pulling together to help keep practices open for sick and injured animals.”
Education secretary Gavin Williamson said: “Fighting Coronavirus and protecting the vulnerable and our NHS are the Government’s top priorities right now. That’s why we are asking schools, nurseries and colleges to close – except for vulnerable children and the children of key workers.
"We are facing increasingly extraordinary circumstances, but by asking schools to support our key workers and vulnerable children I am confident we will help beat this virus. I am deeply grateful for the civic spirit and dedication of everyone working in education, and I will continue to provide my full support throughout this crisis.”
To sign the petition, please visit change.org. At the time of writing, the petition had been signed by more than 7,000 people.
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
