BBQ supplies could RUN OUT as ‘pingdemic’ forces butchers and meat factory staff into Covid isolation
BARBECUES in the 31C heatwave are under threat from the Covid “pingdemic”.
Thousands of meat factory staff have been forced off work after being alerted by the NHS Test and Trace app.
The wider impact on business has led to new calls for the Government to ease isolation rules before August 16.
And in another blow to holidays, last night France was kept on the amber list, excluding it from the relaxed “Freedom Day” travel rules from Monday.
The pingdemic saw 1.8 million Brits told to self-isolate last week. Factoring in close contacts, it could mean six million at home by next week.
One in ten at meat factories is now off work. Nick Allen, of the British Meat Processors Association, told The Sun: “People are going to find choice limited as the BBQ season unfolds.
“With so many staff off, producers have to cut down on ranges. If you’re happy to throw any burger or banger on the barbie, you might be fine. But if you like a nice Cumberland sausage or a fancy burger it won’t be as simple.”
A shortage of lorry drivers is adding to the supply chaos.
Some ports have up to a tenth of staff off. Mr Allen added: “Supermarkets rely on daily deliveries. The whole supply chain will be challenged over the next two weeks.”
The pingdemic has also hit bin collections, trains, car factories, pubs, restaurants, hotels and shops.
Unions warned up to a fifth of workers in some firms are having to self-isolate.
Stephen Phipson, of manufacturing organisation Make UK, said: “This problem has escalated significantly over the last week.”
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The CBI’s Lord Bilimoria said the rules were devastating the economy, adding: “We can’t wait until August 16.” He wants daily tests instead.
But Downing Street warned changes are unlikely for months. The PM’s spokesman still advised everyone to isolate if pinged, adding: “We keep things under review but the app is doing what it is designed to do.”
Health Secretary Sajid Javid has said NHS staff will be exempt to prevent hospitals grinding to a halt.