| answer text |
<p>The veterinary profession is vital in maintaining high standards of animal health
and welfare in UK, particularly at this very challenging time.</p><p> </p><p>Working
alongside HM Treasury, Defra is in regular contact with the Royal College of Veterinary
Surgeons (RCVS), British Veterinary Association (BVA) and other key stakeholders to
ensure we understand the economic impacts to small independent veterinary practices
and the wider industry over the Covid-19 outbreak.</p><p> </p><p>Following the Prime
Minister’s statement of 23 March bringing in the lockdown measures, the veterinary
professional bodies produced guidance focussing on the provision of essential services
only. This was updated from 13 April, reducing the restrictions. Under this guidance
it is for individual vets to make decisions about what work can and should be undertaken
and how to do this in line with social distancing guidelines including remote consultations,
if practical.</p><p> </p><p>Veterinary practices should be able to access Bounce Back
loans, the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) or the Coronavirus
Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CLBILS), subject to eligibility criteria
for each scheme. Many vets and locums are self-employed and there is also a range
of support available where they can demonstrate the financial impact of the Coronavirus
outbreak.</p>
|
|
