Everyone is now being told to limit contact with people outside their household unless essential, staying at least one metre away from them at all times, avoid going to restaurants and bars – unless they have measures in place to maintain social distancing – and avoid all contact with older people.
Islanders are also now being asked to avoid using buses at peak times, to not sit next to anyone when they do and to not stand close to people when waiting at bus stops. And anyone who is able to work from home is being urged to do so.
A campaign, entitled ‘You Have the Power’, has now been launched to encourage the practice and will feature across all forms of media.
All Islanders will also soon receive a text message emphasising the importance of the measure.
Meanwhile, from today, anyone travelling into Jersey – regardless of where they have arrived from – must self-isolate for 14 days.
Earlier this week, Economic Development Minister Lyndon Farnham said the Island was facing economic challenges ‘not faced since the Occupation’ and advice has now been issued to businesses to help limit the economic impact of social distancing. A scheme aimed at covering the payroll of some employees has also been announced.
In a statement, Chief Minister John Le Fondré said the government had been preparing to implement full-social distancing measures for ‘some time’.
‘The Medical Officer of Health indicates that we are now entering this new phase and must therefore further increase our response,’ he said.
‘We need Islanders to closely adhere to our advice. If Islanders socially distance in a serious and proper manner, we can save lives, and potentially prevent, or at least delay, the need for over 65s to self-isolate.
‘We ask all Islanders to do their bit and help us save lives. It may feel odd initially but in our current circumstances, keeping your distance is the best way to show you care.’
It is hoped the move will help delay the increase in the number of people becoming infected by the virus and lessen the strain on the Island’s health services.
But, despite the seriousness of the measures, Islanders are still being allowed to leave their homes to go for a drive with other members of their household and practise sports such as tennis, sea swimming, jogging and athletics.
Gathering outside is also still allowed, however at least a metre must be kept between all individuals at all times.
Restaurants, cafés and other similar establishments can still be visited if they have taken steps to facilitate social distancing, or if they offer a take-away option.
Assistant Chief Minister Richard Buchanan added: ‘With Mother’s Day coming up on Sunday, the prospect of having to limit contact with our vulnerable loved ones is especially difficult. However, adhering to social distancing, even if it involves rethinking 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.’
Social distancing is regarded as one of the most effective ways of reducing the spread of COVID-19.
However, anyone self-isolating should avoid contact with anyone they are not self-isolating with and remain in a contained space to prevent transmission or infection.
