Gym & Swim: More Covid Restrictions Eased

Islanders can go to the gym or for a swim again as more coronavirus rules have been relaxed in Jersey from this week.

Ministers are easing the island's Covid-19 restrictions after the number of active cases here fell to just four last Thursday.

So-called Stage 4 of the reconnection guidelines means:

Indoor sport and exercise, including swimming, can resume (with 2m distancing)

45 people can take part in outdoor sport.

Children's indoor soft play areas can reopen (for up to 10 people)

Amusement arcades and activity centres can reopen (with 2m distancing)

Groups of up to 10 can sing or play wind or brass instruments indoors, but only for up to half an hour.

Up to 15 children can sing together in schools.

In addition, household mixing was allowed to resume on Sunday (14 March), meaning up to ten people could get together indoors in time for families to celebrate Mother's Day.

Health Minister Richard Renouf says the latest permitted activities have a focus on health and wellbeing:

“I’m really pleased that it is now safe to reopen indoor sports and exercise and increase outdoor participation for some sport to 45 people. It is important to understand the guidance, which applies to each area, and focus efforts on maintaining high standards of adherence to wider public health measures which remain in place, such as keeping 2 meters away from those you don’t live which remains law within indoor sport and exercise and the uptake of frequent hygiene measures."   

One of the venues welcoming islanders back for the first time today is AquaSplash.

The swimming pool will be operating with social distancing measures and breaks between pre-booked sessions to allow for thorough cleaning.

Faye Camp, Contract Manager at the centre, is delighted to be open again:

“It’s been great being back at the site this week as we prepare, and the team are raring to go, ready to welcome swimmers back to their much-missed facility.

We’ve been very busy over the last few days preparing for the big day, but this time around things were a little easier than previous reopening periods. We’re now experts at this process, we have the signage and social distancing measures already in place and we know exactly what we need to do to safely ready the centre to reopen.

Our changing rooms, shower facilities and lockers will all be available for use from Monday, and we can’t wait to welcome people back to the pool after a long, three-month gap.”

Chief Minister Senator John Le Fondre says should enjoy the easing of restrictions with our own safety, and that of others, in mind:

 “Jersey is in a good position, we have not seen an impact in cases following the reopening of hospitality over two weeks ago. This shows that Islanders and businesses are doing well to reduce and prevent the transmission of COVID-19. 

Public Health officials have developed supplementary guidelines to accompany the relaxations in areas outlined under Stage 4 reconnection. The guidelines and measures support our intention to allow for our reconnection to happen carefully and cautiously, to avoid COVID-19 spread and the need to rescind any relaxations. This is our route to regaining our freedoms and we are all responsible for ensuring a safe transition."

STAC will meet today to consider what should happen with Jersey's border restrictions - including the possible reintroduction of the traffic light system.

Ministers will then consider the medical experts' recommendations before an expected update 'in the next week or so'.