covers are available
a quick look round the forum will tell you people have the same problem
the best way to clear it if its jammed is to remove the pump rear and clean it out that way, rather than break it off
the pump needs to come off, plain and simple
if you machine hasnt got a sealed base, then , unscrew the kickplate, uncrfew the pump form the machine, and it will be serviceable from underneath
other than that, the front panel will need to come off
of course if your happy to wait without a machine while you wait for the filter cover, then smash it off and clean it
but wee need the full gb number to get the right part number for you
hth