10 May 2020
Jersey will begin to move through the Level 3 measures of its Safe Exit Framework with effect from tomorrow (Monday 11 May), following the signing of new Orders by the Minister for Health and Social Services, Deputy Richard Renouf.
Following medical advice, Level 3 will still include a Stay Home instruction, with Islanders now permitted outside their homes for a maximum of six hours a day where they may meet with five people who are not from their household. Later in Level 3, if COVID-19 remains under control, these restrictions on personal movement will be further eased.
Islanders will have more options of things to do when they are outside but are reminded that they must adhere to the guidelines still in force. This includes maintaining strict two-metre physical distancing when outside the home.
People who are extremely vulnerable to serious complications of COVID-19 (those with serious underlying medical conditions, who will have been contacted individually by their GP) are still advised to shield themselves.
People vulnerable, but not ‘extremely vulnerable’ to serious complications of COVID-19 (those with less severe medical conditions), continue to be advised to be especially careful when outside the home. The guidance no longer categorises over 65s by default into this vulnerable group, but they should still rigorously follow public health guidelines.
The move through Level 3 will allow for some phased increases in business trading in certain circumstances, if two-metre physical distancing can be maintained and all hygiene, health and safety requirements are met.
From Monday 11 May:
- Islanders may be outside their homes for up to six hours in total each day and may meet outside with five people, per day, who are not from their household
- Restaurants and cafés can operate physically-distanced outdoor seated food service
- Open air recreational sites can welcome visitors, excluding their indoor enclosed areas (except for purposes of entry and exit)
- Large, non-essential retail shops are also able to reopen (those with a retail sales area of at least 700 square metres), provided they maintain two-metre physical distancing.
Public health guidance is published tomorrow for businesses and organisations in each of these sectors, affording detailed advice on opening and operating safely while the pandemic continues.
Unless providing care, Islanders must still not visit other people in their homes. Cloth masks continue to be advised when in public indoor spaces (like shops).
Deputy Renouf said: “This weekend has shown us the best of Jersey and I call on Islanders to continue to protect our Liberation generation by following the advice and staying home.
“I have signed updated Orders to begin the phased and measured exit from Level 4. Islanders’ adherence to the lockdown has been a great expression of Jersey’s character and we will not rush into moves that could endanger the health of our most vulnerable.
“From last week’s antibody study, we know that only a small proportion of the population has been infected at this time. This shows our success in limiting the spread of the virus so far, but also tells us that we must be careful when lifting restrictions, to make sure that we avoid a sudden or rapid outbreak of new cases.
“The phased relaxation will follow medical advice on how to best move through the levels of the framework, so we are making sure Islanders’ physical and mental wellbeing is protected and enhanced while continuing our response to the virus.
“We must protect Islanders and our finite health services by spending our time outside safely and continuing to shield the severely vulnerable. The Government will monitor the situation closely and medical advice will guide any new relaxations through Level 3.”
gov.je