Yesterday morning new lockdown measures were brought in, meaning Islanders not classed as essential workers can only leave their homes for a total of two hours per day to shop, exercise or for medical reasons.
It was also announced that the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases had risen to 81, and Senator John Le Fondré said there could be as many as 800 Islanders who have the virus, with many potentially being unaware. He said: ‘Islanders woke up to a different way of life, one none of us ever anticipated we would see. Let me be clear, this is not going to be easy and this will not be over tomorrow, but it is critical to protecting Islanders and everyone must play their part.
‘The Council of Ministers don’t underestimate the impact it will have, but I hope this time is used not to focus on ourselves, but to forge a stronger community.
‘In a year when we celebrate Liberation 75 in a way far removed from the one we anticipated, we should draw on the strength of Islanders who endured and supported one another through a far longer period of isolation and fear which ended 75 years ago.’
Senator Le Fondré confirmed ten people are currently in hospital with coronavirus, but that none required the use of a ventilator.
The Chief Minister ruled out using hotels as field hospitals. However, the government is considering the use of other premises if necessary.
Senator Le Fondré said there was capacity in the Hospital and that there were already around 600 beds available elsewhere in places such as Overdale. A decision will be made towards the end of April about any possible extension to the lockdown and that will be based on the success of the current measures.
Senator Le Fondré also said blatant breaches of the new guidelines would be met with enforcement measures such as fines, but that in the first instance Islanders would be called by the States police and given a gentle reminder of their
responsibilities under the lockdown regime.
Last week the government said that employees from certain sectors would have 80% of their pay, up to £1,600, met by the government.
Some businesses were excluded from that list, but Deputy Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham said that in light of new changes, the eligible group of businesses was under review and more could be added.
He said: ‘The government is working as fast as we can to give the most vulnerable businesses and employers financial surety to keep operating.’
Also during yesterday’s government press conference, External Relations Minister Ian Gorst paid tribute to the ‘overwhelming’ generosity of people offering their help to fellow Islanders. He confirmed a new ‘Contact Me’ initiative to offer support was being launched today.
He has also written to all of Jersey’s honorary consulates to reassure Islanders from other countries that they will be supported by the government.
