Arboricultural Association COVID-19 (Coronavirus) – Position Statement (March 25 2020)

[JackArbAssociation]

Arboricultural Association COVID-19 (Coronavirus) – Position Statement (March 25 2020):

https://bit.ly/2xnOWai

 

In this rapidly changing situation, the Arboricultural Association is continuing to try and provide support and guidance to our members via regular emails and social media outputs.

Following the official advice issued on Monday March 23rd the Association, in conjunction with its partners, has been seeking additional clarification and guidance from the Government for those working in our sector.

 

The primary question many industry professionals need clarity upon and the one we have been pressing for an answer to is: “can I still go to work?”

 

Considering the lack of a suitably clear and detailed response from the Government, the Association recommends that members consider temporarily ceasing activity, wherever practically possible, until further clarification is obtained; given the pace of change this may be only a matter of hours or a few days.

 

We believe the only exceptions to this would be to undertake work deemed essential, primarily that of a nature to ensure public safety or for the maintenance of critical infrastructure. All of us, business and individuals, will have to determine our own response to carrying out essential work on a case by case basis. Everyone must ensure that they are able to fully adhere to the most recent Public Health advice regarding preventative (regular & thorough hand washing and suitable cleaning materials) and protective (PPE) routines and social distancing requirements (not sharing vehicles or tools).

 

This course of action will help support and protect our NHS and its staff, our key workers and the most vulnerable in our communities. It is also a move that we believe will help further reduce the number of people going to work and therefore will go some way to help prevent the spread of the virus.

 

The Association will continue to press the Government for answers, and we will publish these once we obtain them. Further updates will follow.

 

Stay safe everyone.

 

Stewart Wardrop
Chief Executive Officer