Stage 2…“a lot to get to grips with”

Tuesday 02 March 2021

The States of Guernsey has updated its guidance on Stage 2, which it has indicated could begin next week.

The decision to publicise the updated guidelines has been made to make sure businesses begin to familiarise themselves with the rules as we take the next step out of lockdown.

The Civil Contingencies Authority will meet today to discuss whether Stage 2 can be triggered and when that date will be; it has been suggested that this could align with the re-opening of schools next Monday. Alderney and Sark have already entered Stage 2.

Pictured: Deputy Peter Ferbrache announced the updated guidance during the latest media briefing.

“The move to Stage 2 will be a big step towards normality,” said Head of the CCA, Deputy Peter Ferbrache.

“This will be a big test, to see if it sparks a rise in cases of Covid-19 and to see how effectively we can find them and control them."

So, what does that mean for us? What changes can we expect in Stage 2…

The extension of household bubbles could well be first on people’s minds, as we begin to figure out who best to ‘bubble’ with. As soon as Stage 2 starts we’ll be able to create an exclusive bubble comprised of four households. We can’t change the bubbles we already have, we have to add to them. 

Pictured: Once in an exclusive bubble, members no longer have to socially distance.

Meanwhile, public gatherings can extend to a maximum of 20 people inside or 30 people outside. These events will require social distancing, but there are no time limits and you can attend as many social events as you want as long as you stick to Public Health guidelines.

Social distancing rules become more flexible in Stage 2, as we’re being asked to understand the difference between ‘uncontrolled’ and ‘controlled’ environments. An uncontrolled environment could be a park or a beach, where attendance isn’t recorded. Here, people are directed to stay 2 metres away from people outside our bubble, but in a controlled environment where attendance is recorded we can reduce that to 1 metre.

Masks still continue to be a legal requirement in indoor public spaces but can be removed to eat. Speaking of which, pubs and restaurants can open for table service only in Stage 2.

No more than 20 people can be inside the building at any one time and restaurants can’t have more than 10 people at one table.

Pictured: An FAQ page has been made available to help businesses make informed decisions on what to do in Stage 2.

“There’s a lot of guidance to get to grips with,” said Deputy Ferbrache.

“We’ve had to work on it quickly so I’m sure it isn’t perfect, and perfection isn’t our aim. We’ll keep listening to feedback and if we can and should make further changes to our rules, we will."

The regulation list is long and covers a variety of specific situations that islanders may come across; from confirmation that hairdressers will be allowed to open, to refreshments being allowed at kiosks and the library re-opening. 

As far as timing, our step into Stage Two is likely to align with the opening of the schools on 8 March. At least it is "hoped” this will be the case, according to the CCA. 

The Bailiwick Bubble will return in Stage 3, when all rules fall away and life resumes as it was before lockdown 2.0. We don't know when this will be yet.