Following the Government’s announcement of Level 5 Covid Restrictions, which take effect from midnight, on Wednesday, ICOS has provided guidance and directions to mart managers and customers.
The negotiations were held jointly between ICOS, Associated Livestock Marts and the Department of Agriculture.
The guidelines look to protect the safety and wellbeing of farmers, Mart Staff while also caters for the welfare of animals.
The mart is no longer a public auction but rather an auction by appointment whereby all sellers and buyers must give advance notice of their intention to attend the centre.
Face coverings are mandatory and must be worn. Hand washing is essential and sanitising gels must be used.
- As is currently the case, all people attending the mart must have their time and mobile number recorded.
- All sellers dropping animals must then immediately leave the mart premises.
- All potential buyers must contact the mart manager to arrange and get approval to view livestock before the sale.
- The actual viewing time allotted for viewing is up to the mart manager to decide. When the viewing time is up, all potential buyers must leave the mart premises and bid remotely on line.
- Any mart not online can use a tendering system as was in place last March. Sales cannot start if buyers are on the premises.
- Buyers must co-operate and adhere to all necessary measures instructed during viewing times.
- Social distancing of 2 metres is obligatory at all times and there is to be no waiting or hanging around by customers on the premises.
- All sellers must be available to receive phone calls to accept /decline final bids for livestock, by arrangement with their local mart.
