As Guernsey enters Stage 2 today, more businesses will be taking advantage of a relaxation in the rules. Guidance for Stage 2 was released earlier this week. However, not everyone can pick up where they left off. 

States CEO Paul Whitfield reported in Friday’s briefing that while Stage 2 may feel like a positive step forward, it still must be safely and successfully negotiated. 

“Lots of businesses will have been preparing to get back open again and welcome customers that they have not seen in several weeks," he said. "Stage 2 is a very positive step forward, but I want to stress again that it’s a stage that we have to go through, taking every precaution in line with the guidance.” 

Pictured: States CEO Paul Whitfield.

Anyone working in someone else’s house must avoid being in the same room as any member of that household. Nor can they work in any house where someone is unwell or self-isolating. The now familiar rules regarding wearing a mask and washing hands regularly remain in place. All those regulations cover workers such as cleaners, tradespeople and carpet fitters.

Unoccupied properties can have up to 20 workers in them, provided there is space for all to be socially distanced. 

However, people who work from their own home and see clients – hairdressers, for example – will still be unable to work during Stage 2. 

“Clearly, it’s not possible in those cases for you and your customers to be in separate rooms or even socially distance," said Mr Whitfield.

"So as this would mean close and prolonged contact within a household with people from outside your own household bubble, I’m afraid that isn’t permitted in Stage 2.” 

He acknowledged that not everyone would be happy with the rules for Stage 2, but said that a move onto Stage 3 may not be too far away. 

“Designing these rules and deciding where to draw the lines really isn’t easy. Indeed, it won’t even necessarily feel fair, as in Stage 2 it is still about limitations of contact,” he said. 

Pictured: Tradespeople will be able to resume work in people's homes, provided they work in a room with no contact with anyone in that household.

Mr Whitfield again implored all employers and employees to be cautious when considering a return to work. 

“I would ask all of those going back to work and employers who are opening up again: please don’t work if you are unwell. If you have any Covid symptoms, no matter how mild, stay at home. If it’s your staff member who isn’t feeling well, don’t pressure them to come into work. 

“We still receive calls into our helpline from people who say that they are being put under undue pressure to come into work when they should be staying at home and reporting their symptoms. Please think what the consequence of that could be.” 

Pictured top: House cleaners will be able to work - under certain conditions - but hairdressers will not be able to see clients at their home.