COVID-19 Defra Update
Summary of the latest news from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs related to the Coronavirus (COVID-19)
At this busy time, Government communications are increasing to ensure that stakeholders are aware of updated guidance. This is a summary of guidance to date, 21 April 2020.
If you have insights from a relevant sector send it to agrifoodchainengagement@defra.gov.uk
Latest guidance from Public Health England can be found here.
Celebrating the food industry
Defra has published a Twitter Moment and Facebook Note on how the food industry is changing the way it’s working.
It has also published a Twitter Moment and Facebook Note on how the food industry is helping the vulnerable.
Guidance for consumers on food
The Food Standards Agency has published guidance for consumers on coronavirus and food.
Guidance for food businesses on Coronavirus
New guidance for food businesses was published, on 25 March 2020.
‘Stay at Home, Save Lives’ campaign
Assets for the ‘Stay at Home, Save Lives’ are available to download online, including posters, digital screens, and social media resources.
We are encouraging all stakeholders use these assets and amplify the campaign as much as possible.
Updated guidance: Further businesses and premises to close
The Government has updated its guidance for businesses as part of further social distancing measures.
Guidance on producing hand sanitiser and gel for coronavirus
HMRC has produced updated guidance to help businesses who produce – or would like to start producing – hand sanitiser and gel, including for licensed distillers and gin manufacturers.
Extra time for companies to file accounts
A joint initiative between the government and Companies House will allow businesses to apply for a three-month extension for filing their accounts, allowing them to prioritise managing the impact of coronavirus.
As part of the agreed measures, while companies will still have to apply for the 3-month extension to be granted, those citing issues around COVID-19 will be automatically and immediately granted an extension. Applications can be made through a fast-tracked online system which will take just 15 minutes to complete.
Guidance on how to apply for an extension can be found on gov.uk.
Coronavirus: Latest retailer activity
The British Retail Council (BRC) are providing a daily update on the actions taken by retailers to respond to the Coronavirus pandemic.
In their latest update they have covered: new and further measures by supermarkets to support social distancing, measures to implement social distancing between staff members in offices and staff rooms, changes to opening hours to support NHS and emergency staff, and bonuses for workers.
Number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and risk in the UK
Find out the risk level in the UK, what to do if you have symptoms, and what the government is doing about the virus.
New Coronavirus Information Service on Whatsapp
The government has launched a Coronavirus Information Service, an automated ‘chatbot’ which will allow the public to get answers to the most common questions about coronavirus.
Gender pay gap
The Government Equalities Office and the Equality and Human Rights Commission have announced the suspension of the enforcement of the gender pay gap deadlines for this reporting year, meaning that there will be no expectation on employers to report their data.
Six-month MOT exemption
The Department for Transport has announced that owners of cars, motorcycles, and vans which usually require an MOT test will be granted a six-month exemption from 30 March, enabling them to carry on with essential travel.
New requirements for travelling and moving goods to France
The French Authorities have put a new temporary requirement in place for anyone travelling or moving goods to France.
Last updated 21 April 2020 + show all updates
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Added Guidance for consumers on food and celebrating the food industry.
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Updated page with requirements for travelling and moving goods to France.
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First published.