Non-essential businesses can deliver in stage 1. Yes, that means takeaways…

Thursday 18 February 2021

Guernsey will be entering stage 1 of its exit from lockdown on Monday, which means severe restrictions on some non-essential businesses will start to relax.

One big change is the ability for businesses in Guernsey to provide delivery services, as long as they work within the parameters set out in the exit strategy.

“Businesses can resume only if they can meet the principles outlined in stage 1,” said Civil Contingencies Authority Advisor, Deputy Heidi Soulsby.

Pictured: The guidelines for businesses in stage 1 have been made clear on the States of Guernsey website.

All businesses in Guernsey that are unable to work remotely, and who have no contact with customers, will be able to work as long as the operate within the rules.

We’ve been repeatedly told that we’re not out the woods yet, and that the exit stages are to be taken seriously. We posed a number of questions from our readers to the CCA members during the latest media briefing, to clear up some of the rules.

Work-men and -women cannot enter properties that are being lived in, even if social distancing rules are followed. Estate agents cannot take prospective clients around new homes yet either, as these instances bring workers in direct contact with customers.

Pictured: “If your business has no direct contact with customers then you’ll be able to operate [under stage 1 guidance],” said Deputy Soulsby.

If you follow some comments on social media, you’d be forgiven for thinking that the return of takeaways is the island’s biggest concern. Well, stage 1 will see the return of your favourite Chinese or Indian.

“Deliveries and takeaways can operate within the parameters and the requirements of stage 1,” said Deputy Soulsby. “Takeaways can be collected, but this will have to be done outside.”

Pictured top: Other takeaways are available.