WATCH: Lockdown easing from TOMORROW

Friday 01 May 2020

Islanders will be able to spend four hours outside, and see two people from outside their own household if they maintain a two-metre distance, from tomorrow.

The move is part of the government's 'Safe Exit' strategy, which was launched by the Chief Minister this afternoon.

Starting tomorrow (Saturday 2 May), islanders will still have to spend the majority of their time at home, but certain measures have been eased to help their wellbeing.

These involve:

• an increase in the time allowed outside the home from 2 to up to 4 hours per day;
• time can be spent outside the home for any outdoor activity, not just for exercise (necessary shopping, medical needs and providing care also remain valid reasons);
• time can be spent outdoors with members of your own household (as now) plus up to 2 people you don’t live with, as long as you keep a distance of 2 metres.

The measures are the first relaxation of the lockdown order since it was first introduced on 30 March, and come as the island has now gone 48 hours without any new covid-19 cases being officially confirmed.

Video: Ministers give a media briefing on the lockdown exit plan.

The easing comes as part of a wider four-step exit plan to help the island return to normality - although physical distancing is expected to remain in place for many months.

The island is currently in Level Four, and stepping down each level will be based on public health advice at the time, taking into account the number of cases and spread of the illness.

Minister for Health Deputy Richard Renouf explained: "We are currently in Level Four, lockdown, with strict social distancing and the Stay at Home order in place.

"Social distancing will remain a critically important measure in all subsequent levels. We are going to use the term ‘Physical Distancing’ in future, as it is easier to understand. We want people to be able to enjoy social interaction – but while maintaining that two-metre physical distance."

Pictured: A table showing how the different levels of easing lockdown will affect general health advice (CLICK to enlarge).

He continued: "Level Three will be a soft lockdown. The Stay Home order will be lifted, and some businesses will be able to operate. However, off-Island travel will remain tightly limited, and schools will remain closed to begin with.

"In Level Two, which we are calling ‘Soft Opening’, more businesses with evidenced mitigation plans and appropriate distancing could re-open, alongside many community services. We anticipate people will begin to be able to travel off-island again, as and when commercial travel services become available.  It is likely however that they would still need to self-isolate for 14 days upon return, should they travel.

"Finally, we will reach Level One, Physical Distancing. This is what many have referred to as the ‘new normal’. People will be able to gather again in private homes and most venues will be permitted to open, with strict social distancing and hygiene measures in place.

"Even though we have four levels, we will be looking to move through them at a measured pace, and not all the activity within any specific level will be introduced on the first day of each stage."

CLICK HERE to read the FULL plan for exiting lockdown.