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.