Household mixing permitted from Sunday

A decision has been taken by Competent Authority Ministers (CAM) to bring forward the Stage 4 guidance on household mixing by one day. The guidance will now begin on Sunday 14 March. 

Chief Minister, Senator John Le Fondré, said: “With COVID-19 case numbers remaining low and the high levels of testing finding few cases this week, our scientific and technical advisors have recommended that is it safe to bring household mixing forward by one day. 

“The recommendation was given by the Scientific Technical Advisory Cell (STAC) and approved by my fellow Competent Authority Ministers on Thursday. 

“We have said from the offset that the dates outlined in the reconnection roadmap could be subject to change based on the prevailing COVID-19 metrics, and we will prioritise the reconnection of activities that bring the greatest benefit to wellbeing. 

“The timings will also allow for Islander’s to gather with their families on Mothering Sunday.

“I urge Islanders to follow the public health guidance on household mixing and not to exceed 10 people in their homes or gardens. If our situation deteriorates due to clusters or outbreaks, this could delay the rest of our reconnection.”

Minister for Health and Social services, Deputy Richard Renouf, said: “A fundamental part of the Island’s reconnection roadmap is recognising the importance of meeting other people for Islanders’ emotional and social wellbeing. 

“To bring the level of COVID-19 infection down, it was vital that people didn’t mix with other households and adhered to the public health guidance. We can bring household mixing forward by a day because of everyone’s hard work and commitment in upholding public health measures, but we must remain vigilant. 

“We know that transmission is much greater when people mix with other households inside their homes, so it is vital not to exceed the number of 10, to keep groups small and consistent, to continue to meet outdoors wherever possible, to avoid attending multiple gatherings of people over consecutive periods and to keep indoor spaces well ventilated. 

“If you have been protecting a vulnerable family member or friend by keeping your contact groups small, please continue to do so. The more people you see, the greater the risk of transmission.”

Gatherings in homes or gardens must not exceed 10 people, this number does not include children aged 5 or under (you may have 10 people aged 5 or over, plus babies and children aged 4 or under).

It remains an offence to gather in groups of more than 10 people whether indoors, outdoors or in person’s home or garden, under the COVID-19 (Gathering Control) (Jersey) Order 2020.

Gatherings and events for Islanders, organisations and businesses guidance can be found online. 

The rest of the Stage 4 reconnection guidance will commence as planned from Monday 15 March.