Covid-19: Your weekly round-up...

Saturday 04 April 2020

As Jersey nears the end of the first week of lockdown, the official number of islanders confirmed to have the virus now stands at 118.

As the numbers increase and the Government of Jersey steps up emergency measures in response to the crisis, it’s easy to lose track of the latest update.

Express has its eye on how covid-19 is affecting Jersey from a health, political, business and community perspective - bringing islanders updates online, all the time.

But, in case you missed anything, here’s a handy round-up of the main events this week (30 March – 3 April) at a glance with links to the full reports included... 

Health 

• Confirmed local covid-19 cases rose from 81 on Monday (30 March) to 118 on Friday (3 April) in the afternoon
• Jersey’s ‘lockdown’, announced by the Chief Minister the night before, took effect from 08:00 on Monday (30 March)
• Chief Minister announces 5,000 self-testing kits are on their way to test health workers for covid-19
• Retired medical staff were called to return to their duties during the crisis
• Dr Ivan Muscat confirmed that 150,000 ‘immunity’ tests are on their way with a view to testing every islander for the virus as he updated the public on the latest modelling
• A third islander with underlying health conditions died after contracting the illness

Politics

• On Wednesday (1 April), the Housing Minister made an urgent plea for vacant accommodation to put up those in need because of the corona virus crisis
• Registered workers who have lost their jobs because of the epidemic were offered £150 a week by the Government for voluntary work
• The States make history by becoming the first parliament in the Commonwealth to hold a meeting and pass laws virtually
• At this meeting, restrictions on where registered and licensed workers can be employed were relaxed to fill gaps in the island’s workforce

Business

• More details about the Government loan guarantee scheme came to light on Tuesday (31 March)
• A veterinary practice took to social media to criticise the Government for excluding their industry from business support as they donated crucial supplies to the hospital

Education

• The Education Minister announced that schools and nurseries would stay open throughout the Easter holidays for the children of critical workers
• Teachers have been told they will have to determine students' GCSE and A Level exam results based on past performance and class rank after exams were cancelled across Great Britain

Community

• A pair of local lovebirds were granted special permission to tie the knot with just 24 hours’ notice
• A group of 40 islanders with 3D printers have been creating protective face visors for health staff
• Moved by an elderly lady who missed her daily walks in Howard Davis Park, a tech guru created a virtual tour of the park to bring the outdoors in
• Care home residents enjoy their gifts and cards from local children

In case you missed it (ICYMI)...

In an effort to channel some creativity during lockdown, many local arts hubs have taken their offering online.

Islanders can now take part in drawing challenges, watch live streams and take virtual exhibition tours from the comfort of their own homes, as well as enjoying performances like the below...

WATCH: Jersey’s very own Story Beast gives his take on health guidelines...