Trade body the Pet Industry Federation is still receiving queries from pet industry businesses seeking clarity on whether they can still operate during the lockdown to stem the tide of the coronavirus outbreak.
Guidance published last night on www.gov.uk confirmed that pet retailers would be exempted from closure during this lockdown, as reported by pet business world shortly after the Prime Minister’s announcement last night.
In a statement issued this morning (Tuesday), PIF said: “However, it is clear that the Government’s rationale behind their decision to close a range of businesses and shops last night is to curb the movement of people and, as far as possible, ensure that people remain at home to slow the transmission of the disease.
“Therefore, until we obtain specific information to the contrary, PIF believes that unless exempted, businesses should close in order to keep themselves and their customers safe from the covid-19 virus.
“We are also seeking clarity from the devolved governments on their positions with regard to businesses and service provision from pet professionals during lockdown.”
PIF says it has put a range of measures in place for its members and that it will continue to liaise with and support members with as much information and guidance as it can during this time.
Further information will be available from PIF at pifmembers.petfederation.co.uk/
