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Ballymena Livestock Mart is the first mart in Northern Ireland to voluntarily introduce temperatures checks for clients entering its premises this week.
Although it is not mandatory under current government guidelines, farmers attending sales have co-operated with the additional health check, which aims to improve the safety of mart staff and customers.
NI marts are following the protocols agreed with the various agencies overseeing public health and have strongly advised clients to wear face masks when attending sales.
Several marts have also installed plastic screens for additional safety ringside
Along with providing hand sanitisers and gloves, marts have also made face coverings readily available to farmers in recent weeks.
Several marts have also installed plastic screens for additional safety ringside.
While some marts are still operating at the 2m spacing for social distancing, others have reduced this to 1m spacing where additional safety measures are in place.
Health
On the health checks in place, one mart manager said: “While some farmers may not like the idea of a mask, we are asking them to be mindful of their own health, the health of their family, the farmers attending sales and mart staff.”
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