Day one went well

Wednesday 25 March 2020

The first day with strict measures in place to restrict movements across the Bailiwick has gone well with Guernsey Police and supermarkets both reporting a sense of calm.

Police officers were out patrolling in areas which are usually known to busy - such as the centre of St Peter Port, parks and beaches.

Other than having to give advice to groups of people who were standing too close together after they had bumped into each other and stopped to chat, they said they found no cause for concern.

Retailers also said things had gone well with "sensible and respectful behaviour" from shoppers at the big supermarkets, which resulted in "a calm experience for those buying their essentials this morning".

Pictured: Deputy Gavin St Pier signed off the document which effectively put the Bailiwick into 'lockdown' as health authorities and others lead the battle against corona virus. 

The measures which were introduced at 00:01 Wednesday 25 March, mean no one is allowed to leave their home unless they do an essential job, are going to buy food, are exercising or have a medical reason.

These rules have been brought in after it was proven that community seeding of covid-19 has occurred and the efforts to try and contain the deadly virus have been stepped up.

New laws had to be brought in to enable the lockdown to happen, and that means Law Enforcement has the power to fine people who do not abide by the temporary rules.

While Guernsey Border Agency are meeting anyone arriving at the airport to harbour to tell them of the rules, and the need to self isolate for two weeks when they get here, Guernsey Police have been patrolling the island to ensure no large groups are gathering or that people are out unnecessarily flouting the rules.

"A few of the scenarios we have come across today have a similar thread, so we just want to reiterate that you can only go out under certain circumstances," said a police spokesperson. 

"When you do go out, remember your social distancing and don't accidentally end up congregating with people who aren't part of your household. We get it, it's perfectly normal to go up to your friends when you see them out and have a chat. But we don't live in normal times - so keep your distance from those you don't share a house with.

"Also, don't call JESCC asking whether you can go to work - they're not there for that. For Coronavirus clinical questions: 756938 or 756969 and non-clinical questions: 717118 or covid19enquiries@gov.gg

"Oh and, absolutely don't forget to wash your hands when you get home for at least 20 seconds with warm, soapy water. In fact, do that throughout the day.

"Thanks again everyone - let's tackle day two with the same community spirit. Remember: we're in this together, not in it for ourselves."

Pictured: Guernsey Police were checking everything was ok at local shops...and it was. 

The island’s main food retailers all reported positively about day one of the lockdown too.

New measures were in place in some shops, which hadn't already introducing queuing controls, along with protocols inside the stores to ensure all staff and customers adhere to social distancing guidelines.

A spokesperson said that "while some product lines were light the general feedback from retailers was that stocks remained good, with further deliveries due later.