There had been suggestions circulating in the local community that Jersey would mirror England from 23 November by shutting down all non-essential business in order to curb the spread of covid-19.

Responding last night, Senator Le Fondré said: “I am aware that there are rumours circulating that the Government is planning to announce a lockdown starting on 23 November. I would like make it entirely clear that these rumours are untrue, and unfounded.

“Ministers are meeting today to discuss further measures to tackle the increase in covid-19 cases over the past few weeks. These measures will focus on us working as a community to slow the spread. We will be making an announcement on this in due course, once we have details agreed and following discussion with States Members.”

Economic Development Minister Senator Lyndon Farnham also tweeted to reassure islanders.

The assurance came despite a warning last week from the medic leading Jersey’s response to the pandemic that the island was at “tipping point”, and could face a lockdown if more covid clusters of unknown source emerge.

At the time, young islanders were warned that their partying and socialising had had a “significant” impact on the spread of the virus locally.

According to official stats, the number of individuals officially recorded as having the virus in Jersey is 130.

Since Tuesday 10 November, 10 individuals have recovered and 14 new cases have been identified (seven through contact tracing, four through planned workforce screening, and three while they were seeking healthcare).