The new measures will be reviewed before the schools are due to return, with the lockdown extended for now until at least 23:59 on 18 April.

The lockdown initially set four reasons why people could leave home - to go to work if you are an essential worker, to do essential shopping, to exercise and for any other essential reason such as a medical appointment.

The only change to those restrictions will be that from tomorrow, non-essential retailers will be allowed to carry out home deliveries. This will only be allowed in line with guidance to mitigate the risk of spreading corona virus and will be monitored and reviewed.

These retailers will not be allowed to open their premises to customers, sales must be by phone or on-line, not face-to-face and those retailers must adhere to social distancing and hygiene guidance, and have no more than two employees on their premises.

More details will follow this afternoon on Express on how the non-essential home deliveries will work.

Pictured: Dr Nicola Brink.

Deputy Gavin St Pier made the announcement at a press briefing streamed live this lunchtime. He was speaking on behalf of the Civil Contingencies Authority of which he is Chair. The decisions made by the CCA are all based on advice given by the Director of Public Health. 

Dr Nicola Brink had advised extending the lockdown based on the increasing number of positive cases of covid-19, the rising death rate associated with the virus and other data that she and her team have been able to analyse from the samples tested and the contact tracing they've done.

"We now have our on-Island testing capability up and running, which is a huge step and radically improves our ability to gather data and know what’s happening in the Bailiwick. But while the number of tests we do each day has already increased, and we’re getting results faster, we haven’t had it in place long enough to gather the data that would give me confidence to relax the ‘lock down’ restrictions significantly.

"The clusters we’ve identified in certain care homes in the Island has meant a lot of new testing capacity has been concentrated on these areas. We still need more time to get a real sense of what’s happening more widely in the Island. For now, staying at home is the best way we can stay safe and save lives."

Pictured: Clusters of staff and residents testing positive for covid-19 have been linked with at least two care homes in Guernsey. 

Deputy Gavin St Pier, Chair of the Civil Contingencies Authority said the lockdown is already proving to slow the spread of the virus, with no positive cases confirmed in the Bailiwick outside of Guernsey. He also said 34 people have now fully recovered from corona virus.

The lockdown must continue though he said, to ensure that as few people as possible will die from covid-19. 

"Our objective has not changed, we must reduce the spread of this infectious disease and make sure our health infrastructure, which includes our frontline nurses, doctors and health and social care workers, are not overwhelmed. The best way we can all do that, and help save lives, is by staying at home.

"But we know we need to look after people’s physical and mental health and wellbeing. That is why we’re making some allowance now for a wider range of goods to be delivered to Islanders, as it will give us greater choice and more options while we stay at home. Helping more people to work effectively, at home or in a safe environment, will also have in itself a positive impact on our mental health.

Pictured: Deputies Heidi Soulsby and Gavin St Pier. 

"We’re also conscious of the economic impact ‘lock down’ is having, with some businesses having to furlough or lose staff, or simply close down. If allowing deliveries means that happens even a little less, that is to be welcomed with the support of the Director of Public Health."

Deputy Heidi Soulsby, President of the Committee for Health & Social Care said:

"Our absolute priority is dealing with this public health crisis, and protecting the lives of Islanders. That has meant some tough decisions that have made things very difficult for many businesses. But I’m impressed with how they have supported that objective, and put their community first.

As we’ve said before, businesses must respect the spirit of the restrictions, including the changes we’re making today. The vast majority have done that and I’m grateful. But if we find any businesses aren’t taking seriously their responsibility to their employees, their customers and to the Bailiwick, we will impose much tougher measures."