Speaking this week, Tammy Fage, the head of the Health and Safety Inspectorate, which enforces workplace health and safety laws, said the unit was looking into ‘matters’ which had been brought to their attention on Tuesday [26 January]. She added that while an inquiry was taking place she would be unable to release any further information.
Meanwhile, Murray Norton, the chief executive of the Chamber of Commerce, expressed frustration but backed the government’s decision to delay reopening non-essential stores.
‘There has been a great deal of disappointment, given the time and money spent in many cases having prepared to open – although it is difficult to think how government could have made any other call than to delay, with a potential cluster being a risk to life. Chamber have been in full dialogue with the government and we both agree that nobody wants businesses closed longer than needed but the safety of staff and customers is a priority,’ he said.
‘The impact for each business not trading is huge, whether a retailer, bar, restaurant, hairdresser or gym. The costs of covering the wage bill and all of the other bills coming in is an ever-growing pressure on all business owners. Government support in co-funding and fixed costs will help but that is a cost too. What local businesses want is to open safely as soon as possible.’
He added: ‘In terms of the cause of the delay in reopening this week, that is a matter for the investigation into any suggested breaches, and, if so, presumably the courts to decide.’
During a Chamber briefing – held ahead of the now-cancelled planned reopening of stores this week – it was announced that the government would be encouraging Islanders to wear their masks in busy town areas even if they were outside. Similar measures have been made law in cities such as Munich, Sydney and Paris.
Commenting on the idea, Mr Norton said: ‘As with all safety measures, if they provide better protection, are practical enough to work and instil the trust and confidence in shoppers visiting local shops, then certainly it is something that must be looked at.’
Despite the recent cluster, active cases of Covid-19 have fallen from over a thousand in December to 143 as of Tuesday night [26 January].
And, with a large number of care home residents now vaccinated, this week Health Minister Richard Renouf announced plans to allow visits again.
‘I am pleased to confirm that vaccination levels amongst care home residents has been high, offering a greater level of protection for these vulnerable residents. With the addition of the mitigation measures being finalised within the policy, we can enable visits to start again as soon as possible,’ he said.
‘I’d like to thank Deputy Montfort Tadier for his interest and commitment to ensure that this policy is at the forefront of our work to reconnect the Island.’
Further information about when care home visits can resume is expected by Monday evening at the latest.
Meanwhile, in Guernsey, business owners are also facing uncertainty there after a shock outbreak of cases led to the island locking down, with all schools and non-essential businesses closing.
Problems first came to light last Saturday when four people tested positive for coronavirus but the government was unable to identify where the infections originated from. Since then the number of active cases has risen to 84.
The restrictions are a stark contrast to the freedoms that Guernsey has become accustomed to, with bars, nightclubs and restaurants remaining open and islanders not being required to social-distance since early June last year.
