COVID-19 UPDATE (23rd December 2020)

***COVID-19 UPDATE***

As we head into a National tier 4 restrictions from Boxing Day, The Scottish Government has required us to strengthen our COVID operating procedures to limit the transmission of the newer strain of the coronavirus.

As you will have read, the new strain of coronavirus is assessed to be around 70% more transmissible which dramatically increases infection rates where it is prevalent.

The Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers in Scotland have previously agreed guidelines with the Scottish Government which have seen our markets stay open throughout the pandemic. However, we need to make sure we are taking all possible measures to protect our staff, customers and trade for this to continue to be the case and avoid the scenario where we are forced to close.

In light of the above, L&S will be implementing the following procedures (both at Lanark and Forfar) from 26 December 2020 until further notice.

• Vendors will be required to use the ‘drop and go’ policy and should not physically enter the penning area of the mart until further notice.
• Vendors are encouraged to phone the market office to receive details of their stock prices where possible. However, it will still be possible for a vendor to see their stock sold. This will require all vendors to sign into the market via the main entrance and enter the sales ring to see their stock sold. Following the sale of their stock, vendors are respectfully asked to leave the market immediately to limit the numbers of people on site.
• Only market staff, and authorised personnel, should access the penning areas of the market.
• All mart visitors will be required to strictly adhere to the base guidelines of COVID declaration and signing in, 2m physical distancing, hand hygiene and face coverings at all times to minimise the spread of the virus.

We understand the frustration that this is likely to cause for our valued customers although we are confident that by strengthening our guidelines, L&S will be able to remain open throughout the next phase of the pandemic and beyond.

We thank everyone for their loyal custom and wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

L&S