The president of the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) Tim Cullinan has said that faster turnaround time for COVID-19 tests will be vital in keeping essential services like the food supply chain operational.
Cullinan explained, “The priority during the COVID-19 crisis must remain the health of everybody in society.
"However, we also need to keep essential services such as food production operating.”
Public Health Guidelines
He also emphasised on the need to follow the guidance of public health authorities and decide on an appropriate course of action in the event of an outbreak.
Apart from keeping the food supply chain open, faster test results will also help health authorities determine whether facilities that have faced an outbreak of the virus are ready to re-open.
Impact Of Disruptions
Disruptions in the food supply chain have an impact on the local economy as well as farmers, workers, suppliers.
Last week, a ham production plant in Kildare suspended all processing operations after 80 staff members tested positive for COVID-19.
“The meat processors must take every measure to safeguard their workers,” Cullinan added.
© 2020 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Dayeeta Das. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine.