The fresh advice from the Government of Jersey came just hours after Guernsey advised against all non-essential travel to and from the island as jurisdictions around the world work to respond to the pandemic.
And the announcements followed a statement from Prime Minister Boris Johnson in which he described coronavirus as ‘the worst public health crisis for a generation’ which could cause severe ‘disruption for many months’. And he warned that families would ‘lose loved ones before their time’ as the coronavirus outbreak worsens.
Jersey’s Emergencies Council sat on Thursday afternoon and issued a statement after.
In it the government said:
* GPs and primary care providers are to be given extra funding to carry out health checks on over 80s and those deemed high risk if they catch coronavirus
* All non-essential government business travel has been suspended
* Large scale public events are under review
* Arrangements for schools and colleges are being considered
Further actions are due to be considered by the Council of Ministers on Friday.
Senator Le Fondré said: ‘Over the coming days we will begin to enact further measures that Islanders will need to adhere to in order to support us to protect the most vulnerable in the community.
‘I would urge all Islanders to play their part in doing what they can to help prevent the spread of this virus in order to protect their vulnerable friends and loved ones. Whilst the situation develops we will ensure that businesses continue, and I am asking Islanders to maintain a measure semblance of normal life and this includes taking holidays off-island. Although our priority is to protect the community from coronavirus, the government will be looking after the interests of public money sensibly.’
