The Bailiwick gets bubbling

Sunday 24 May 2020

Sark was the first to announce it will soon welcome visitors from the other islands, with Herm expected to follow soon too.

Alderney has yet to make any formal announcements, but with the smaller islands of the Bailiwick all still 'Covid-free' it is expected that some inter island travel will resume within days.

Guernsey has now gone more than three weeks without a positive test result for the potentially fatal virus, while just two active cases remain.

The Bailiwick is moving to phase 4 by the end of this month, meaning life is expected to return to a level of 'normality' while off island travel is still strictly limited.

But Sark says it will welcome Bailiwick guests from 1 June.

Sark's borders will remain closed to any visitors from outside the Bailiwick, including those on their own private boats who are still not allowed to enter any of the island's harbours.

Herm has said it will reopen during phase 4 under guidance from the States of Guernsey and in conjunction with Travel Trident resuming sailings.

Anyone with existing bookings for hotels or campsites in any of the islands will be contacted first, with booking options open for other people as well now.

Herm Island has warned that although the island is looking beautiful, it won't be the same as usual.

"We are very proud that Herm looks absolutely stunning following months of hard work from our team and we can't wait for you all to see it again, but things will be a little different in terms of our offering and ability to provide full services. Please be prepared to take us as you find us; it won't quite be the Herm you are used to this year. An announcement will be made next week with full details."

Pictured: The Dorniers are flying between Guernsey and Alderney but only for essential travel at the moment. 

Aurigny is currently only flying people between Guernsey and Alderney for essential purposes, with the airline stating recently that it would not be increasing its schedules until September. 

The Little Ferry company which offers sailings between the islands says it will make an announcement shortly, having contacted all customers who have already had their bookings cancelled during the lockdown.

Further information on the relaxation of Alderney's borders and travel within the Bailiwick is expected soon.

Pictured top: Sark and Alderney.