The majority of construction sites have been ordered to close to prevent the spread of coronavirus. However, some non-essential sites can continue to operate provided they only involve one or two people. Essential works are allowed to continue.
The conditions for the continuation of non-essential site work are:
– The guidelines on social distancing and good hand hygiene must be adhered to at all times, including travel
– No more than two people can be undertaking the work
– The work is not within an occupied property. Work in gardens and to the exterior of buildings can be done, but work which involves being inside an occupied property cannot
– The guidelines for safety relating to lone working must be followed
– This work is classed as non-essential work therefore no worker should carry documentation asserting that they are engaged in essential work.
Emergency home and building repair and maintenance is classified as essential work, and can be carried out inside people’s homes where it’s necessary, provided that the tradesperson is well and has no symptoms. No work should be carried out in any household which is isolating.
Economic Development Minister Lyndon Farnham said: ‘I have announced financial support for a number of areas within the construction sector, but I recognise that the industry wants to work rather than rely on government support.
‘This clarification should enable small businesses which are involved in the construction industry to continue to work, if they feel that it is safe and appropriate for them and their employees to do so. My advice to all businesses, however, is to respect the bank holiday and consider the nuisance that might be caused by their work.
‘Businesses should understand that our highest priority remains the control of the spread of coronavirus, and they must ensure that at no time do they compromise social distancing between themselves, their staff, their customers, and anyone else.
‘Should I, or any other competent authorities ministers, on advice of officials and the Medical Officer for Health decide at any time that there is too much activity and therefore too much social contact increasing the risk of spreading Covid-19, this sector of the construction industry may be stopped.’
A permit system to enable construction work where more than two people are present is be introduced to allow it to restart, but only once the Medical Officer for Health is satisfied it can be done without the risk of the spread of coronavirus.
Permits have been granted to 30 sites, which are considered essential. The sites have been given posters to display, enabling Islanders to know that they have permission to operate, provided that they apply social distancing.
Senator Farnham added: ‘More information on the permit system will be announced once we are satisfied that the measures which are being put in place on the most essential construction sites are effective.’
A full list of essential sites can be found on gov.je.
