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Up to 300 farmers are sick or self-isolating due to COVID-19.
Figures from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection show that the number of farmers in receipt of the COVID-19 Enhanced Illness Benefit Payment has increased by 50% in the last week.
The payment is worth €350/week and is available to anyone who can medically certify that they have either tested positive or been in contact with someone who has tested positive for the coronavirus.
Dairy processors and co-ops have put measures in place to maintain social distancing and the figures serve as a stark reminder to the farming community, where many farmers are in the “at risk” and “vulnerable” categories.
Sheep farmers in particular are being urged to review social distancing guidelines in the run-up to the shearing season. The number of farmers directly impacted by the virus remains low in comparison to other sectors.
Overall, 32,000 people across the country are in receipt of the payment, but the Department has pointed out that the number “predominantly” relates to people who are self-isolating, rather than ill.
The number of farmers in receipt of the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment has also increased from 7,000 to 8,000 in the last week.
The payment is worth up to €350/week, but the Department has stated that farmers will not meet the eligibility criteria unless they are available to take up some other form of full-time work outside of farming.
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