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Coronavirus Update – CAI Members Update

We hope this update finds you, and yours, well.

As we have previously stated, the current pandemic situation remains a fast moving and complicated one.

The Government has included the following types of worker as among the key worker list:  Telecommunications Engineers, Field Engineers and Broadcasters and we understand that it remains the case that the Government believe that citizens do need continued access to Broadband and PSB (BBC, ITV, Ch4 & Ch5) TV services, for home working, home schooling and to receive news updates, as well as for entertainment at this difficult time. So, we feel we need to advise you to take a common sense approach to work:

  • If the aerial/dish is the only means for that household (including in MDU’s) to receive PSB’s (i.e./ they do not have cable, satellite or the ability to stream TV content) then it might be considered critical to restore their service.
  • A broadband service is also critical if anyone is working or learning from home, or if it’s the households only way to receive PSB services.
  • If you’re carrying out either of the above tasks, we would class you as key workers carrying out essential works.

In all circumstances engineers should follow Public Health guidelines. If anyone is symptomatic of the virus or self-isolating in the household then an engineer should not visit.

If they are not symptomatic or self-isolating, then an engineer might attend but observe strict social distancing (2 metre min) and strict hand hygiene and appropriate PPE (hand washing before and after the visit, and use of disposable gloves, masks, anti bac wipes for remotes etc, as appropriate) . If a problem can be resolved without entering a viewer’s home, it must be. Payment should be made by card and/or via the telephone or website whenever possible.

It's an individual choice for members to take a risk judgement on this.  They need to balance the risk to everyone and to be able to justify why they are not staying at home. No one should be forced to go to work if they don’t think it’s safe, or morally the right thing to do.

We have had to close the office and divert the telephones to one mobile number.  Therefore we may be very busy, so please bear with us.  Please don’t forget you can email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you have specific Technical queries

Please stay well and safe, and do the right thing for yourselves, staff, suppliers and customers.

All at CAI.