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In the workplace

What should I do now as restrictions are being removed?

We know that practice teams have been working incredibly hard in difficult circumstances, and we also know that heavy workloads continue to put teams under pressure. Employers should be aware of the importance of supporting all employees’ mental health and wellbeing and should encourage and facilitate team members to take leave and breaks.

Continue to risk assess and, where possible, work in a manner that reduces close contact in line .

Even where face coverings are no longer a legal requirement you can continue to ask clients to wear a face covering, unless exempt for medical reasons, as part of your terms of business.

England

In England all restrictions have been removed. All practices should continue to risk assess and, where possible, work in a manner that reduces close contact in line .

Scotland

The Scottish government continues to advise people to work from home if they can. Individual practices should assess whether it’s appropriate for staff members to work from home if possible (for example handling calls and triaging cases). All practices should continue to risk assess and, where possible, work in a manner that reduces close contact in line .

Wales

In Wales, the government has advised that all remaining restrictions are likely to be removed from 28 March 2022. All practices should continue to risk assess and, where possible, work in a manner that reduces close contact in line .

Northern Ireland

In Northern Ireland, people are encouraged to work from home where possible. All practices should continue to risk assess and, where possible, work in a manner that reduces close contact in line .Ìý

Where do I find previous ÂÜÀòÊÓƵ guidance? You can access previous guidance for veterinary professionals:

• ÂÜÀòÊÓƵ guidance for UK veterinary practice on working safely during Covid (19 Jan 2022)
• ÂÜÀòÊÓƵ guidance on working safely during Covid-19 (23 December 2021)
• ÂÜÀòÊÓƵ guidance on working safely as lockdown restrictions are eased (24 March 2021)
• Guidance for national lockdowns (6 January 2021)
• Guidance for UK veterinary practices on working safely during Covid-19 (3 December 2020)
• Guidance for veterinary practices during the 2nd national lockdown in England (November 2020)
• Guidance on essential veterinary care (reissued 20 October 2020)
• A guide for vets in clinical practice (published 28 May 2020)
• Guidance on essential veterinary care (published 13 April 2020)
• Guidance in assessing emergency and urgent care (published March 2020)

You can also access , run in partnership with The Webinar Vet.Ìý

Do we need to wear face coverings?

Although there will be no legal requirement to wear a face covering in England, Northern Ireland, or Wales, the Government suggests you continue to wear a face covering in crowded and indoor spaces where you may come into contact with people you do not normally meet.

Businesses can continue to ask staff and clients to wear face coverings, unless exempt, under their own terms of business policies.

Face coverings continue to be a legal requirement in .

Students

I’m concerned I may not be able to fulfil my EMS requirements due to Covid-19 restrictions, what should I do?

All students have access to the ÂÜÀòÊÓƵ Carpool Cases online EMS series, which has been accepted by most of the UK vet schools and certificates are available. In addition, the RCVS has a useful list of .

Animal owners and breeders

How should I care for my pets if I have symptoms of or have confirmed Covid-19?

The OIE recommends that people who are suspected or confirmed to be infected with the Covid-19 virus should minimise close direct contact with animals. .

Government advice is that owners of pets in households with confirmed or suspected Covid-19, who think their pet may need veterinary treatment, should make contact with the practice first and alert them to the household’s status.Ìý