Alderney lights the way to Stage 1

Thursday 18 February 2021

Alderney is beginning its exit from lockdown from today in a milestone moment for the northern isle, which has recorded just one positive case of Covid-19.

The move to Stage One means some businesses that have not been able to operate in the full lockdown can resume some activity, provided they limit the number of staff working, socially distance and follow Public Health guidelines.

It comes just days after Sark became the first island of the Bailiwick to start inching out of the corona virus-enforced lockdown. 

Alderney recorded its first and - so far - only positive case of the second wave on 5 February. While community seeding remains a concern over in Guernsey, the individual who tested positive was already self-isolating when they were identified through contact tracing.  

The situation in the northern isle led to calls for Alderney to move out of lockdown to help kickstart its economic recovery from lockdown. Those calls have been answered by the Civil Contingencies Authority, which announced that Alderney would move to Stage 1 of the Bailiwick's exit strategy, to be followed by Guernsey this coming Monday. 

What does Stage 1 mean for Alderney?

It will also allow each household to ‘bubble’ with one other household. Outdoor gatherings of up to five people outside a household bubble will also be permitted, with social distancing measures in place. Up to four hours of outdoor recreational activity each day is now permitted.