The wearing of face masks in livestock marts will be mandatory from next Monday, August 24th, the Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine (DAFM) confirmed to That’s Farming yesterday (Wednesday, August 19th).
ICOS had since issued a statement confirming that its co-operative marts will work to ensure full compliance with the new measures in co-operation with customers.
In a statement, it said it has already been requesting all mart customers to wear face coverings to prevent the spread of Coronavirus in the community.
“The recommended coverings include disposable or cloth masks which thoroughly cover the mouth and nose, or a plastic see-through face visor, in line with public health guidelines. These must be worn immediately on entering any mart premises.”
‘Mask up in the marts’
Ray Doyle of ICOS said, “We have confidence that everyone associated with our marts will want to play their part in suppressing and controlling the Coronavirus.”
“This is a community-based effort where we’re all in it together for the well-being of our people and our country.”
“For that reason, masks will be obligatory in marts, without exception, and we thank all of our customers for their ongoing support and encouragement and for their adherence to this requirement.”
He said that face coverings help prevent people who do not know they have the virus from spreading it to others.
“It’s essential also to maintain good sneeze and cough etiquette and to follow all public health guidelines including regular and thorough hand washing.”
“We must all do whatever we can to minimise the spread of COVID-19, so we’re asking people to stay safe, protect each other and ‘mask up in the marts’.” Doyle concluded.
