Coronavirus

Today, the Government has announced the launch of its Covid-19 app across England and Wales.

Following the announcement on the 21st September that the UK Coronavirus Alert Level had been increased from three to four, AIC in consultation with the audit and certification bodies has decided to pause on site audits across all schemes with immediate effect until further notice.

AIC have been informed that HSE are conducting COVID spot check inspections by telephone. There have been some questions raised by businesses as to whether the calls are genuine.

Defra have just published some updated, and quite useful, guidance aimed at businesses operating in the food sector which may have some relevance and value to AIC members: |  

As an industry drivers have reacted well to measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19 by protecting themselves and others by following specific site rules in place.

For any members who work in or with food and drink businesses in Wales, on Friday there is a free webinar from the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) about how the Welsh Government are responding to the pandemic and how the coronavirus legislation and guidance in Wales differs to the rest of the UK.

New ‘COVID-19 secure’ guidelines are available to UK employers: | https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19

  | HSE has published new guidance on the approach to some specific COMAH requirements during the coronavirus outbreak.

Access to Covid-19 testing in Scotland has been widened to include a broad range of private sector and essential services workers. There are 4 priority groupings identified for testing, within group 2 (Essential workers in critical national infrastructure), essential roles within the food supply chain and chemical supply chain have been included.

If you're a key worker who is self-isolating (not able to leave home), you can now apply for you and your household to get tested for coronavirus (COVID-19).

To operators of feedmills with their Environmental Permits regulated by the Environment Agency, several temporary relaxations now apply to maintaining compliance with Permits conditions. These may be helpful during these difficult times.