Jersey to linger in Level 2 lockdown for longer

Thursday 23 July 2020

Large-scale public events won't be making a comeback until August at the earliest after the government's scientific advisers recommended that Jersey remain at Level 2 for longer.

It had been expected that STAC (the Scientific and Technical Advisory Cell) would today give the green light to a move to Level 1, which would mean the return of public gatherings - something research says can spark large-scale covid transmission.

In anticipation of this, the government had begun drawing up guidelines for events involving 40 or more individuals, including potential restrictions on alcohol and international attendees.

However, following the step down to Level 2 in early July, which included opening the borders, STAC instead decided that the island should monitor the levels of covid in the community for a further two weeks before lifting any more restrictions.

Pictured: STAC felt that Jersey should monitor the impact of opening the borders for a further two weeks before easing lockdown any further.

Their next meeting will be on 3 August, when it's expected that they'll be able to recommend a move to Level 1 provided there is no sudden spike in cases.

Ministers have therefore instructed their departments to use the next two weeks to prepare.

“Following the advice from STAC, Ministers have decided to pause in Level 2 of the Safe Exit Framework, while we undertake additional monitoring to ensure that when we begin to move into and through Level 1, we do so as safely as possible," Health Minister Deputy Richard Renouf said.

Pictured: Health Minister Deputy Richard Renouf.

“The shared aim is to begin to move into Level 1 from within the first week of August. Level 1 changes will be introduced in phases, so that as an island we continue to progress safely through the Safe Exit Framework."

"For now, however, we remain in Level 2, and Islanders and businesses should continue to follow the current Level 2 guidelines until they receive further update.”