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Some of Guernsey's most well loved restaurants are closing their doors, even though they are legally allowed to open at the moment - but business has dropped dramatically amid the growing corona virus crisis.
Th Managing Director of the Christies Group called Express on Monday to explain his decision behind closing all of his establishments - with just Crabby Jacks remaining open for takeaways only. No one is allowed inside the building except for essential staff.
Christies, the Boathouse and Villa are all closed completely with Christophe Gautier saying he's had to let staff go, including some who wanted to travel home to be with their own families during this unprecedented time.
Seamus Duggan who owns Pier 17 has made the decision to shut too, saying it is a temporary closure so he and his staff can "do the right thing and play our part in containing the spread of covid - 19 on our island".
Le Nautique said "extraordinary measures" are called for so the owners have heeded the advice given by Public Health Guernsey and decided to close.
"We look forward to welcoming you back in happier times," they said.
A number of other restaurants have decided to close to customers wanting to dine in, but have instead turned to takeaway services.
This includes Da Nello, Petit Bistro, Octopus, Les Douvres and Rosso.
The official guidance from the States confirms takeaways are allowed to remain open.
Nightclubs and pubs were forced to close at 18:30 on Friday 20 March for the foreseeable future, while those bars serving food are currently allowed to open between 11:30 and 14:30 and 18:30 and 22:30. Customers must sit at a table and alcohol can only be served with a meal.
Cafes and other eateries without an alcohol licence are not affected.
Pictured: Deputy Mary Lowe, and her Home Affairs Committee have put forward plans to change the law on employment permits within a few days to enable people on employment permits to stay in the island even if they are currently out of work.
As many of the staff who work in the hospitality industry hold employment permits, changes have been made to the law to enable them to stay in Guernsey even if they are currently out of work as a result of the corona virus outbreak.
The Committee for Home Affairs said it recognises that in light of the current travel restrictions which mean only essential travel in and out of the Bailiwick is allowed, and must be followed by 14 days self isolation, and the wider impact of corona virus on the local economy, there is a need to make some proactive adjustments to the Population Management regime.
Home Affairs said it recognises that some businesses will be struggling to keep all of their staff working full time; but it also acknowledges that some of those individuals may be able to usefully support the community in other areas.
Many will "unavoidably be made unemployed" and under the terms of their permits would usually have to leave the island.
That is not going to be the case at the moment, whilst the pandemic is ongoing.
Home Affairs has asked the Civil Contingencies Authority, which is leading the Bailiwick's fight against covid-19, to arrange for the drafting and approval of regulations so anyone holding an employment permit is able to continue to lawfully remain in Guernsey.
This change could be in place by the end of this week.
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