Chief Minister John Le Fondré said that the continued low number of known active cases meant that people would be permitted to ‘gather with their families on Mothering Sunday’.
Earlier this month, ministers unveiled a roadmap for the gradual easing of restrictions and a return to normality.
The first phase of that comes into force on Monday, when indoor sport can resume, gyms and swimming pools can reopen and singing and playing woodwind and brass instruments will be permitted inside for groups of up to ten people. Household gatherings with a ten-person limit were also due to be allowed from that date.
However, the Competent Authorities Ministers – which comprises the Chief, External Relations, Economic Development, Infrastructure, Home Affairs and Health Ministers – decided to approve the change yesterday following advice from the Scientific Technical Advisory Cell.
The Chief Minister said: ‘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.
‘If our situation deteriorates due to clusters or outbreaks, this could delay the rest of our reconnection.’
The next phase of the Island’s roadmap is due to start on Monday 12 April when pubs and bars will be allowed to open without the need to serve food.
From the same date, the maximum group size for outdoor gatherings will rise to 20 people and close-contact indoor and outdoor sport will be permitted. There is also due to be a partial return to offices.
Under the roadmap, from Monday 10 May, up to 40 guests will be able to attend weddings and funerals, while the two-metre social distancing order will be removed and replaced with guidance. Guidance on working from home is due to be lifted on this date.
And the final phase – due on Monday 14 June – would see large events allowed and nightclubs able to reopen.
Health Minister Richard Renouf added: ‘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 ten, 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.’
The ten-person limit on gatherings does not include children under the age of five.
