Select a region
Ministers have decided to bring forward the date that small indoor household gatherings can resume, to Sunday.
The original date had been Monday 15 March, but the decision to lift the covid restriction 24 hours earlier means that islanders will now be able to mix inside each others homes on Mother's Day.
It will mark the first time islanders have been allowed to mix in each others' households since 18 December when the instruction was introduced immediately as covid cases topped 900, with 136 new cases recorded that day.
Gatherings are still, however, restricted to a maximum of 10 people, although this does not include children aged 5 or under. Exceeding this number remains an offence under the Covid-19 (Gathering Control) (Jersey) Order 2020.
Household mixing will start on Sunday 14 March after CAM decided to bring forward the Stage 4 guidance on household mixing by one day. Chief Minister, Senator @John_Le_Fondre, explains more about the decision and reiterates the importance of adhering to public health guidance. pic.twitter.com/EagREjAP8y
— Government of Jersey (@GovJersey) March 12, 2021
“With covid-19 case numbers remaining low and the high levels of testing finding few cases this week, our scientific and technical advisors have recommended that is it safe to bring household mixing forward by one day," Chief Minister Senator John Le Fondré said.
“The recommendation was given by the Scientific Technical Advisory Cell (STAC) and approved by my fellow Competent Authority Ministers on Thursday."
He continued: “We have said from the outset that the dates outlined in the reconnection roadmap could be subject to change based on the prevailing covid-19 metrics, and we will prioritise the reconnection of activities that bring the greatest benefit to wellbeing. The timings will also allow for Islander’s to gather with their families on Mothering Sunday."
Senator Le Fondré added that islanders should still "follow the public health guidance on household mixing and not to exceed 10 people in their homes or gardens", warning: "If our situation deteriorates due to clusters or outbreaks, this could delay the rest of our reconnection.”
Health Minister Richard Renouf echoed that it was important islanders remain "vigilant".
Pictured: Health Minister Richard Renouf urged islanders to ensure they kept their homes well ventilated if having a gathering.
“We know that transmission is much greater when people mix with other households inside their homes, so it is vital not to exceed the number of 10, to keep groups small and consistent, to continue to meet outdoors wherever possible, to avoid attending multiple gatherings of people over consecutive periods and to keep indoor spaces well ventilated," he advised.
“If you have been protecting a vulnerable family member or friend by keeping your contact groups small, please continue to do so. The more people you see, the greater the risk of transmission.”
Meanwhile, today marks the beginning of increased visits and trips out for care home residents, who have been shielding since last year.
New Government guidance sets out that fully vaccinated residents can have two named visitors, who have evidence of a negative PCR test, with no limit on the frequency of visits. Residents who are not fully vaccinated (have only received their first dose or received their second less than two weeks ago) can have one named visitor, with no limit on frequency of visits.
Care home residents are also no longer strongly discouraged from leaving the care home for trips out. However, where if the resident is not fully vaccinated, it is recommended that trips out are spent with just named visitors or people who are household members of named visitors.
It comes as Jersey prepares to enter Stage 4 in its covid 'roadmap' on Monday. More detail on the further easing of restrictions is expected to be announced later today.
Comments
Comments on this story express the views of the commentator only, not Bailiwick Publishing. We are unable to guarantee the accuracy of any of those comments.