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Coronavirus: Measures To Support Businesses

Measures have been announced to support Jersey businesses through the coronavirus outbreak.

Social security contributions and GST payments are being deferred.

The government will give top-up funding to Jersey Business so that it can offer firms practical advice on preparing for the economic challenges such as helping them renegotiate repayments.

Business owners and managers are being asked to look at their costs carefully and to take advice from experts 'to assist in making difficult decisions that might lie ahead.'

Economic Development Minister Senator Lyndon Farnham says the decisions taken on Thursday will provide some certainty and cash-flow relief.  

He says the economic impact of Covid-19 will be monitored on a daily basis and updating the support as required.

“The Coronavirus Business Liaison Group will continue to meet regularly, to understand the continuing impact on businesses, and ensure appropriate Government support is available.”

Where the government is landlord to a local business, directly or through a government-owned company, payment deferrals will be considered.

“We have a robust economy and secure public finances. Coronavirus will have a significant impact on our economy, but it will only be temporary."

The Minister has also called on local banks to issue their own supportive measures  - including extended overdrafts and loans and mortgage repayment breaks.

NatWest International is among those to announce steps including up to 6-month capital repayment holidays on variable rate lending
for businesses, three-month loan/mortgage repayment deferrals for local personal customers, and temporary emergency loans with no fees.


 Coronavirus Advice

If you think you might have the virus, you should self-isolate and call the Health Department's coronavirus helpline:

01534 445566

It's open every day between 8am and 8pm. Calls outside these times, or when the line is engaged, won't be answered straight away - but we're told to leave a message and Health officials will call you back.

Please don't visit your GP or the Emergency Department at the General Hospital if you think you have the virus.

Coronavirus symptoms are similar to that of the flu - a combination of a cough, fever and aching muscles. If you've had any symptoms, even if you haven't travelled abroad, we're being told to self-isolate until they clear up (for a minimum of seven days).

Anyone who has come into contact with a person confirmed to have the coronavirus should stay in self-isolation for at least 14 days.

All the latest information can be found on Gov.je.

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