Tea origin responses to Covid-19 outbreak
Image courtesy of Yumi Nakatsugawa
The Tea Association of the USA has issued the following update on origin tea countries’ responses to the Covid-19 pandemic:
India:
- All tea gardens are under lockdown and not operational
- For more information, visit: http://www.teaboard.gov.in/HOME
Sri Lanka:
- Continuing under safety precautions within the curfew period
- People can engage in the agricultural sector including the tea sector
- Government directive that tea production must continue still stands
- For more information, visit: http://www.srilankateaboard.lk/
Kenya:
- Kenya now has 28 confirmed cases of coronavirus, the second highest in the region after Rwanda that has 41
- “Social distancing is now our new norm, it is our new way of life,” President Kenyatta said on 25 March. He also announced a nationwide nighttime curfew.
- Exempted are organisations rendering critical and essential services which include food dealers and transporters of farm produce
- Tea producers have taken it that they are exempt as well and are currently seeking further clarification from the government
- For more information, visit: https://agricultureauthority.go.ke/
China:
- China reported no new domestic cases of coronavirus for three consecutive days (18-20 March) and has resumed work and production in every sector
- Tea production is at full capacity
- Foreign airlines have been limited to one flight per week as of 22 March
- Government is beginning to allow internal travel and a return to work in light of several days of no new cases
Argentina:
- On 20 March, the Argentine government announced a lockdown through 31 March
- For more information, visit:
The Tea Association of the USA will continue to share updates on tea origins, and tea industry overall, as information is available.
