Face Mask are Mandatory
As per new government guidelines please ensure that you are wearing a mask when dropping off and collecting your dog. Sam (shown above) has kindly demonstrated how to wear your mask to ensure everyone remains safe.
NHS Track and Trace
Malys Cuts for Mutts is now registered for the NHS Track and Trace. Yes, it's Optional but if you have the App please use it. (The above is not the QR Code for Malys so please do not try and scan it)
COVID-19 – ADVICE FOR ANIMAL RELATED BUSINESSES AND LOCAL AUTHORITIES IN ENGLAND
06th January 2021 (This guidance is subject to change depending on Government advice)
Introduction
This guidance has been updated in light of revised Government advice (06.01.21) on Coronavirus to balance public health protection requirements and businesses' need to keep working. There remains no evidence that pets are implicated in Coronavirus transmission to people; an infection of the pet is rare. There is some risk of the virus potentially being carried from person to person on pets and their belongings. However, scientific assessment is now that such transmission is relatively unlikely. There have been some rare instances where infected owners have passed on the infection to their pets, but there remains no evidence of onward transmission, and the main route of transmission remains person-to-person. However, the risk of transmission between infected clients and business staff remains, and the disease status of the client, if known, will assist in risk assessment.
The introduction of the Tier system means different rules apply in different areas. If you live in Tier 4, you must not leave or be outside of your home or garden except where you have a ‘reasonable excuse’. A reasonable excuse includes attending the care and exercise of animal or veterinary services. You can leave home for work purposes.
The status of a household is an important element of risk assessment. Clearly, contact with an infected or self-isolating household carries a higher risk than with any other. The risk to the household of vulnerable people is greater and therefore requires more precautions. As there is some possibility of the pet carrying virus between households, it is appropriate to evaluate each circumstance's risk to minimise the public health consequences. It is inevitable that a household's status regarding coronavirus can change from one group to another and that the precautions suitable for the pet will change at the same time.
The simple precaution of washing hands for twenty (20) seconds or using hand sanitiser as frequently as possible should now be intrinsic in every activity. Therefore, in this advice document, it is assumed that hand sanitisation or washing, and social distancing, are included in all activities. The customer should also consult guidance on the wearing of face masks.
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A separate protocol should also be used when handing over dogs between a business and the client.
Everyone must observe social distancing rules throughout every activity. While social distancing advice has been revised, 2m between individuals should be adhered to where possible. If at all possible, and if it is safe to do so, any handovers should be done outside. Risk assessments need to be undertaken to ensure the business is working safely to protect members of staff and the public. The principles have been set out by the government here.
The government has introduced additional rules on the use of face coverings, and full details of them, and exemptions and other relevant information can be found here. Besides veterinary practices, animal activities are not specifically covered, but for any activity indoors where business owners and staff interact with clients, both must wear a face covering. Whilst this is not specifically mandatory for staff, it is advisable for their protection under Health and Safety legislation. It does not alter the necessity for social distancing and the use of one-way systems where appropriate. Where social distancing can be maintained outdoors, the use of face coverings is not necessary, although it is still advised. Hands should be washed, or hand sanitiser used before putting a face covering on and after taking it off. Touching the eyes, nose, or mouth is to be avoided and used face coverings should be stored in a plastic bag until they can be washed or disposed of. Single-use disposable masks should be disposed of appropriately after use. Re-useable masks should be washed and dried regularly.
According to the regulations, it is acceptable (amongst other reasons) for people to leave their homes if it is reasonably necessary for them to do so to care for or exercise their pet. Full guidance is on the government website. Therefore, a journey may be reasonably necessary for these purposes, and journeys in the course of business are allowed.
In all circumstances where payment is included in a process, the use of cash should be avoided, where possible payment should be made using a credit or debit card or by electronic banking.
GROOMERS
Tier 4:
Groomers may accept a dog to be groomed by appointment for welfare but not aesthetic reasons. The necessity for an appointment is to ensure social distancing between clients. If dogs are brought to the site, owners should remain in their vehicles until staff are ready to accept their dog. The business handover protocol set out by CFSG should be followed and should take place in an outdoor space large enough for the client and staff to maintain their social distance.
Groomers can collect dogs from client’s homes as long as they can disinfect their vehicle between collections. Pets from infected or self-isolating households should be collected separately from other dogs in different journeys and after pets from other non-infected households. Groomers should assess whether the grooming can be delayed until the household is clear to reduce the risk to themselves and their staff. Social distancing should be maintained at all times, and business handover protocol set out by CFSG should be followed with the owner retaining all equipment such as leads.
Tiers 1-3:
An owner may take a pet to be groomed by appointment if the grooming is necessary for welfare rather than aesthetic reasons. The necessity for an appointment is to ensure social distancing between clients. If dogs are brought to the site, owners should remain in their vehicles until staff are ready to accept their dog. The business handover protocol set out by CFSG should be followed and should take place in an outdoor space large enough for the client and staff to maintain their social distance.
Groomers can collect dogs from client’s homes as long as they can disinfect their vehicle between collections. Pets from infected or self-isolating households should be collected separately from other dogs in different journeys and after pets from other non-infected households. Groomers should assess whether the grooming can be delayed until the household is clear to reduce the risk to themselves and their staff. Social distancing should be maintained at all times, and the business handover protocol set out by CFSG should be followed with the owner retaining all equipment such as leads.