"We'd recommend that teams continually assess their ways of working to make sure they and their clients feel safe." James Russell, BVA president.

Association urges everyone to follow social distancing requirements

The BVA has made a statement following the new restrictions introduced by the government to help control the spread of COVID-19.

On Tuesday 22 September Prime Minister Boris Johnson advised people to work from home if possible and announced an increase in fines for people breaking the rules on wearing face coverings, social distancing or meeting in groups larger than six from multiple households.

In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, people are still being asked to follow two metre social distancing rules, and new restrictions have been issued on the number of people allowed to gather both indoors and outdoors.

BVA president James Russell said: “[Tuesday’s] speeches will not change much in terms of how veterinary professionals work in clinical practice and our advice and guidance on working safely remains in place.

“But the statements do serve as a timely reminder for everyone to follow social distancing requirements and as a strong message to clients to both follow and respect the requests and decisions that individual practices make in the interests of keeping colleagues and clients safe.

“We know how well practices have already adapted to new restrictions and adjusted their ways of working so that they can offer a safe working environment while keeping animal health and welfare front and centre.

“Now that the UK governments have given a clear signal that we may have many months of restrictions and challenges ahead, we’d recommend that teams continually assess their ways of working to make sure they and their clients feel safe and supported.”