The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) and British Veterinary Association (BVA) have released a joint statement following last night’s briefing from the Prime Minister.
Following the news that the public are required to stay at home, while non-essential shops and community spaces are closed, both leading bodies urged for “clarification” from the government.
It said that while current advice had called for a reduction in face-to-face contact, many veterinarians have been “left wondering” whether to go into work today.
The group assured its members that they could travel to work if it was “absolutely necessary”, but urged them to “bear in mind” the advice about limited contact between people.
The full statement read: “The RCVS and BVA are urgently seeking clarification from the Government.
“Current advice is that veterinary practices must reduce face-to-face contact immediately, switching to providing emergency care only, fulfilment of urgent prescriptions and maintaining the food supply chain.”
It added: “The RCVS is looking at revised guidance on the use of technology, which will be available tomorrow (Tuesday 24 March).
“Meanwhile for those of you wondering if you should go into work tomorrow or not, the message from the PM was that travel to work is acceptable, providing it is absolutely necessary and if work cannot be done from home, but bear in mind general advice around limiting contact with other people.”
