Co-operative marts are continuing to operate under the strict guidelines as issued by the Government last Thursday, March 13, according to the Irish Cooperative Organisation Society (ICOS).
Commenting today, ICOS environment and livestock executive Ray Doyle said:
“At mart sales today, we are seeing a greatly increased awareness by the public of the enhanced measures required for everyone to successfully reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Sellers are dropping off animals and simply calling mart managers at a later time to find out what they made and there are restrictions on the number of people around mart ringsides.
“This includes moving buyers to the seating areas and social distancing, rather than around the actual ringside itself.
“We re-iterate that only buyers and sellers of livestock will be permitted to attend the marts and controls are in place regarding numbers attending.
At this time, social visitors and particularly children or vulnerable people must stay away from the marts until further notice is given.
Everyone needs to cooperate with any and all instructions given in mart centres as we all need the marts to continue trading during this busy spring period, but in a safe way and one which will not add to the spread of Covid-19.
It’s business, not as usual, but continuing for now – and this may change day to day, depending on the overall situation and ongoing guidance from the authorities,” Doyle concluded.