Covid-19 Coronavirus

Livestock Shipments during COVID-19

Updated 17 July 2020

Standard Operating Procedure: Livestock Shipments during COVID-19

Both UK and IOM drivers must adhere to social distancing protocol when there is required interaction with Steam Packet staff. All interaction should be as minimal as possible. Please note as of 15/06/2020 all passengers on the IOMSPC ferry must wear face masks and observe social distancing requirements at all times.

From Monday 20 July, the Isle of Man will move from Level 5 to Level 4 in the Isle of Man Borders Framework. From Friday 24 July, the Ben my Chree returns to its normal schedule and will be increasing its passenger traffic. This means that there will be greater numbers of people travelling from the UK to the Island and these people represent a higher COVID-19 risk. In order to follow the below protocol and remain exempt from the need for a Manx Import Permit including 14 days’ isolation, the driver must not come into contact with other passengers during the return UK-Douglas leg (see below).

Your options are either:
  1. Make the whole journey from Isle of Man to UK premises and back to accompany the livestock, provided you have applied for and received a Manx Entry Permit which includes the requirement to self-isolate for 14 days on return to the Island, OR;
  2. Follow the below Standard Operating Procedure designed to minimise the risk of COVID-19 transmission from the UK to IoM residents without the need for you to self-isolate.
For exports:
  1. The booking process for Livestock will remain as is.
  2. UK driver with empty Livestock wagon & trailer will arrive at Heysham port.
  3. Vehicle will be checked-in at the weighbridge.
  4. UK driver loads wagon and trailer onto the vessel when instructed.
  5. UK driver sanitises vehicle controls before exiting the vehicle; lorry keys are to be left in the cab.
  6. UK driver disembarks vessel when instructed to do so.
  7. IOM driver collects Livestock wagon and trailer from the deck when the vessel arrives in Douglas. Driver to wear Personal Protection gear.
  8. IOM driver loads Livestock in IOM.
  9. Wagon returned to Douglas port for next Ben-my-Chree sailing.
  10. Vehicle will be checked-in at the weighbridge and driver issued with meal and berth vouchers. Vouchers are pre-printed so as to avoid minimal interaction with staff.
  11. IOM driver will load and accompany vehicle to Heysham
  12. IOM driver sanitises vehicle controls before exiting the vehicle; lorry keys are to be left in the cab.
  13. UK driver returns to vehicle and exits vessel when instructed.
  14. IOM driver remains on-board vessel, returning directly to Douglas port. For this leg of the journey the driver must remain in their cabin for the duration of the sailing (unless required to attend the animals, accompanied by IOMSPC staff) and must not come into contact with people travelling from the UK at any time.

Please note the same principles apply for livestock imports. Please contact Animal Health for details.

This Standard Operating Procedure may be revoked or amended at any time, due to the evolving situation.

Animal Health can be contacted on +44 01624 685844 or agriculture@gov.im

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