The situation today

Monday 30 March 2020

This weekend brought some new statistics on corona virus for the Channel Islands, with the number of positive test results now more than double what it was a week ago in the Bailiwick of Guernsey, while two deaths have been reported in Jersey linked with covid-19.

The Bailiwick of Guernsey had 45 positive test results recorded by the end of the day yesterday. All are patients resident in Guernsey with none yet recorded in Alderney, Sark, Herm, Brecqhou or Jethou.

Of the 45 confirmed positive cases in Guernsey, three patients are receiving treatment at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital. None of those three were in the Intensive Care Unit, or were needing ventilation according to the latest information received from Public Health.

At least three of the 45 confirmed positive cases are as a result of community seeding, while at least half of the positive patients contracted the virus while off island

A detailed breakdown of the latest positive test results has not yet been released. 

Pictured: The test results above were posted at 18:41, Sunday 29 March.  

Jersey had 63 confirmed positive patients by the end of the day yesterday, including two who have sadly died. 

The Government of Jersey had said the first fatal case was in a person receiving palliative care for a long term illness in hospital. Jersey's Health Minister said the second patient to die was in the 70s and also had “significant underlying long-term health conditions."

They had also been in the care of the local health authorities in Jersey “for some time”, officials in the island said yesterday.

Jersey followed Guernsey into lockdown overnight. Its Chief Minister announced the stricter measures on Sunday evening, saying people need to "stay at home, save lives". 

The new measures, which closely reflect the ones introduced in Guernsey last Wednesday, will be "backed by the full force of the law" said Senator John Le Fondre.

Above: Jersey's Chief Minister announced on Sunday night that the island is going into lockdown. 

Guernsey’s lockdown has also been strengthened with new guidelines on what is classed as an essential business.

A number of businesses including gardeners, window cleaners and dry cleaners have been told they have to close, along with all resturants, cafes, takeaways and kiosks which were stil operating.

Among those not classed as essential services, and therefore not allowed to be open, are boat, vehicle and bike repair agents, except for emergency vehicle repairs for essential workers and retail sellers of IT and office products.

Of the remaining businesses in the Bailiwick which are still allowed to have workers on their premises they must follow strict guidance which includes a two person limit on the number of workers on site, while ensuring those staff take measures to observe social distancing and adhere to strict hygiene guidelines.

The guidance for individuals remains unchanged. No one should leave their home except to buy necessary food, medicines and supplies, for medical appointments, to exercise, or to travel to work where that work is designated as essential.

The new guidance on critical businesses and workers can be found here: gov.gg/covid19businessguidance.