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Islanders will be able to enjoy visits to cafés again, and some non-essential shopping, in less than two weeks’ time – but under strict conditions.
The news comes as part of the government’s newly-launched ‘Safe Exit’ strategy – a four-step plan mapping out how the island will gradually leave lockdown.
The ‘Stay At Home’ order was originally put in place on 30 March to curb the spread of covid-19 locally, and give the island enough time to prepare for the virus’s peak.
But now Ministers believe that, with a field hospital, bed space in the general hospital, PPE and ventilator supplies, Jersey is ready to start lifting restrictions.
Crucially, that means the island can finally begin to get back in business.
Video: The Economic Development Minister speaking about the exit from lockdown's implications for business in a press conference today.
“Health and wellbeing are linked to a strong economy. Keeping people in work with secure livelihoods and financial stability is important for our mental and physical health,” Economic Development Minister Senator Lyndon Farnham explained, as the lockdown exit strategy was unveiled this afternoon.
“That is why it is vitally important to get our economy moving again, as we gradually introduce these measures which will ensure that we can restart our economic recovery with confidence.”
Here’s what you can expect at each step…
Currently scheduled to start on 12 May, the new phase will see restaurants, cafés and other food establishments able to offer a 'physically-distanced' al fresco service.
Pubs and bars will only be allowed to open under these conditions if they also offer meals.
Both staff and members of the public will be expected to stay at least 2m apart, and wear cloth masks.
Pictured: Shops will start to reopen in Phase Three, subject to physical distancing regulations.
Shops will also start to open, subject to strict physical distancing and hygiene guidelines, such as wearing cloth masks.
Any services involving close personal contact, such as hairdressers, will not be allowed to open, unless they are an essential service or it is an emergency situation.
Businesses should still have working from home as their default model, but can allow some staff to return to work in indoor offices, in a staged way.
Outdoor-only work can resume in groups of up to five people following physical distancing guidelines.
Work requiring entry to a home is possible, but only in urgent circumstances, such as emergency repairs or caring for a vulnerable person.
Working from home should still be the default model, but some with mitigation plans can open fully if staff are able to maintain strict physical distancing.
Property viewings will start to be permitted with physical distancing.
Healthcare and dental practices will be allowed to resume.
Pictured: Dental practices will be allowed to resume in the 'soft opening' stage.
Hairdressers, barbers, beauty salons, tattoo and piercing parlours, and cosmetic clinics may begin to open but will be subject to sector-specific guidelines.
All shops will be able to open subject to physical distancing, while staff and shoppers will be asked to wear cloth masks.
Working from home will no longer be the default, but physical distancing should continue in the workplace.
All retail will be allowed to open.
Pictured: Even in the final phase, islanders will still be expected to maintain physical distancing and wear cloth masks.
Businesses offering services involving close personal contact should continue to follow sector-specific guidelines.
People will still be encouraged to wear cloth masks.
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