Covid-19 – Update on services (26 March 2020). We are still ‘Open for Business’

On Monday 23 March, the Government updated its instructions to the public and businesses on what they are required to do to assist in the fight against Coronavirus. The new instructions require people to remain at home, with the following exception of relevance to our work:

“Travelling to and from work, but only where this absolutely cannot be done from home”.

Throughout this crisis– please remember that BiOME is open; it is business as usual (just performed in a less than usual way). We will work safely and efficiently until restrictions are lifted – and will also take the opportunity to talk to our valued clients who may have more time to engage than they do normally.

Whilst government advice remains as currently issued, the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) advises that, at this time, some site-based ecological work can still be undertaken but should only be done so where necessary and where there is no clear risk to either the ecologists, other workers or the wider public. Under the new measures, travelling to and from work is still allowed, but only where this work absolutely cannot be done from home. Even when doing this, time spent outside of the home should be minimised so far as possible and it should be ensured social distancing measures are implemented.

Discussions are ongoing between CIEEM and government departments, the statutory nature conservation organisations, the planning sector and the major infrastructure project developers to clarify how planning and development decisions will be made in the light of likely further restrictions on movements. In particular, exploring how limited survey data from this season, and using a precautionary approach, desk survey and professional judgement can be used to inform planning and development decisions at the current time. More advice on this will be provided soon.