In a time when the whole world is battling against the COVID 19 virus fever, tea professionals all over the globe would be curious to be updated on the latest situation in Tea origins. The Tea Association of the USA had issued the following update on tea origin responses to the Covid-19 pandemic:

Sri Lanka:

• Continuing under safety precautions within the curfew period
• People are allowed to engage in the agricultural sector including the tea sector
• Government directive that tea production must continue still stands
• First ever e-auction held from 4th-8th April 2020 (More information will be published sooner)
• For more information, visit: http://www.srilankateaboard.lk/
• About the discussion held among Sri Lankan Tea stakeholder: https://www.teawithnipun.com/news/an-important-discussion-among-ceylon-tea-industry-stakeholders-amid-covid-19-fear/

India:

• All tea gardens are under lock-down and not operational
• For more information, visit: http://www.teaboard.gov.in/HOME

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: https://bit.ly/2WKvbV3

The Tea Association of the USA will continue to share updates on tea origins, and tea industry overall, as information is available.

View More Tea Articles + Latest News: https://www.teawithnipun.com/

References

1. Original Post: https://www.teaandcoffee.net/news/24180/tea-origin-responses-to-covid-19-outbreak/
2. The Tea Association of The USA: http://www.teausa.com/