In a statement, the government said it was accelerating its reopening plan following a sustained low rate of Covid cases, the success of the vaccination programme, as well as the high level of testing and contact tracing.
The change, which comes into force on a bank holiday, also means customers will no longer be restricted to staying at a particular hospitality venue for a specific period of time and the mandatory 10pm closing time has been pushed back to 11.30pm.
However, service remains on a seated-only basis and Islanders have been urged to continue staying two metres from others, as well as providing their details for contact tracing. The maximum number of people permitted on a single table will also stay at ten.
Chief Minister John Le Fondré, said: ‘The latest figures on active cases and vaccination implementation show that we can now afford to bring forward the relaxation of restrictions and look forward to further reconnection with confidence. We will, however, remain vigilant and I would urge Islanders to continue to play their part by following the remaining guidance.’
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham, said he was pleased Islanders would be able to enjoy the hospitality sector on a less-restricted basis in time for the Easter holidays.
‘Our medical advisers have said that the figures show it is safe to bring forward our reconnection plan and ministers have acted on that advice. Islanders will no longer be limited in how long they can spend at a restaurant table and the 10pm closing time has been removed.
He added: ‘We have made tremendous progress with our vaccination programme and our case numbers remain low. As long as the metrics continue in this vein, we can look forward to an updated timetable and a faster journey to full reconnection.
‘Many Islanders have felt isolated over the last year, and today’s announcement provides another step towards normality.’
The revised ‘Reconnection Roadmap’ (dates are subject to change)
Interim Stage: from Friday 2 April (Good Friday)
• alcoholic drinks table service resumes, without the need for an accompanying meal
• customers must eat and drink at the table, but there is no requirement to order and pay at the table
• food and drink must be ordered (in all food and drink premises) before 11pm and the establishments must close at 11.30pm
• no limit on dining or drinking time
• masks are still required except when seated at a table, without the need to be eating or drinking
• table numbers still limited to 10, with 2m or screens between people sitting at adjacent tables
Stage 5: from Monday 12 April
• physical distancing requirements replaced with guidance
• working from home guidance lifted
• no limits on size of gatherings in venues, such as controlled wedding receptions, wakes or theatre performances. Masks to be worn indoors.
• up to 20 people can attend informal gatherings in people’s homes and gardens or in public places, such as beaches
• no limit on spectators or participants at sporting events. Masks to be worn indoors.
Monday 26 April: Travel reconnection to United Kingdom, Isle of Man and Guernsey
Stage 6: Monday 10 May
• standing alcoholic drink service resumes
• saunas and Jacuzzis reopen
• masks still required indoors
No earlier than Monday 17 May: Travel reconnection to other jurisdictions (excluding UK list of banned countries)
Stage 7: Monday 14 June
• unlimited number of people permitted in homes and gardens
• nightclubs fully reopen, including dancing
• larger indoor and outdoor events and festivals permitted, subject to case numbers and risk assessment
