Government launches social distancing campaign

20 March 2020

The Government of Jersey is launching a campaign called ‘You Have the Power’, which advises all Islanders to limit the spread of the coronavirus by practicing social distancing. The campaign – which launches today – will run across print media, online platforms, radio adverts, and at public venues such as the bus station.

For the first phase of the campaign, the Government has partnered with Jersey Telecoms, Airtel-Vodafone and Sure to send a text message to every Islander advising them on the importance of social distancing.

Social distancing is the practice of avoiding unnecessary contact with people from outside your household unless absolutely essential, and is being recommended to slow the spread of coronavirus.

When you social distancing, you should:

Keep a distance of 1 metre (3 feet) between you and other people when outside your own home. This means not standing too close to people or congregating inside.
Avoid public gatherings where maintaining this distance is not obviously possible.
Reduce to essential travel if this involves contact with others, and avoid using public transport during peak hours unless you must. When using public transport do not wait for the bus standing too close others, and do not sit next to anyone. You can, for example, go for a drive in your own car by yourself or with other members of your household as long as you do not have contact with others.
Work and study from home if you can. You can take breaks outside, but do not meet with other people unless you can maintain a distance from them.
Aavoid going to restaurants and bars, nightclubs and other leisure facilities, unless you are confident that the venue has measures in place to maintain social distancing
Do not come into close contact with older people. You need to protect them from the virus you may be carrying.

Connétable Richard Buchanan, Assistant Chief Minister said, “With Mother’s Day coming up on Sunday, the prospect of having to limit contact our vulnerable loved ones is especially difficult. However, adhering to social distancing, even if it involves re-thinking a Mother’s Day lunch, is the best thing you can do to protect others.

“Social distancing is the most effective way to slow down the spread of coronavirus, and it’s vital that Islanders get this message. With that in mind, I’d especially like to thank JT, Airtel-Vodafone and Sure for partnering with us to help us reach Islanders via text.”