BVA and RCVS issue joint statement on new COVID-19 restrictions
"It's essential that the veterinary professions continue to play their part in tackling the spread of the virus" - RCVS and BVA.
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) have issued a joint statement in response to the new and tighter restrictions on COVID-19.
On Sunday (20 December), London and many regions of South East England entered a new Tier 4 'stay at home' category, in which most non-essential business must close. The weekend also saw the introduction of a cross-border travel ban in Scotland, an all-Wales lockdown and news that Northern Ireland will start a new lockdown on Boxing Day.
In the statement, the BVA and RCVS confirm that veterinary practices will be able to stay open 'but should continue to assess and triage cases in the context of the restrictions'. They add they expect the regulations to be similar to those in the November lockdown, but are consulting with the UK's Chief Veterinary Officers (CVOs) to ensure that advice and guidance 'is in line with government rules.'
The full statement reads: “The sudden introduction of these new restrictions signifies the severity of the situation and it’s essential that the veterinary professions continue to play their part in tackling the spread of the virus.
“Veterinary practices have been able to stay open throughout the pandemic thanks to strict adherence to biosecurity and social/physical distancing measures. Practices will be able to stay open but should continue to assess and triage cases in the context of the restrictions, and RCVS/BVA guidance.
“In England, we anticipate the guidance for veterinary practices in Tier 4 will be similar to the rules during the national lockdown in November. For Wales and Northern Ireland, we are consulting with the governments.
“The cross-border travel ban between Scotland and England recognises that travel for animal welfare purposes is essential and decisions on seeing clients from across the border should be based on veterinary clinical judgement.
“We are in contact with the Chief Veterinary Officers across the UK on the details to make sure that our advice and guidance is in line with government rules. The RCVS will be issuing updated guidance as soon as possible.
“We recognise that this is a difficult time for veterinary practices, not only in managing changing rules around Covid but also as we approach the busy Christmas period. We thank animal owners for their understanding and ask them to continue to respect their vets’ decisions at this time. The range of services available will vary between practices so that vets can work in Covid-safe ways to keep their colleagues and clients safe.”
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
