Islanders Allowed To Meet Indoors From Mother's Day

Jersey's restrictions on household mixing will be removed from Sunday, allowing families to meet at home on Mother's Day.

Ministers have brought forward the changes to guidance by a day on the advice of the island's medical advisors, STAC.

As part of the roadmap to recovery announcement last week, it was confirmed that household mixing of no more than 10 people would be allowed from next Monday.

But STAC has recommended that it's safe to do from this Sunday because case numbers are still low.

Chief Minister, Senator John Le Fondré, says they've been clear that roadmap dates could change based on the Covid situation - and they will prioritise things that benefit islanders' wellbeing the most:

"With COVID-19 case numbers remaining low and the high levels of testing finding a few cases this week, our scientific and technical advisors have recommended that is it safe to bring household mixing forward by one day.

Chief Minister, Senator John Le Fondré

"The recommendation was given by the Scientific Technical Advisory Cell (STAC) and approved by my fellow Competent Authority Ministers on Thursday.

"We have said from the offset that the dates outlined in the reconnection roadmap could be subject to change based on the prevailing COVID-19 metrics, and we will prioritise the reconnection of activities that bring the greatest benefit to wellbeing."

He's called on islanders not to exceed the 10 person-rule - as the easing of more restrictions could be delayed if the situation deteriorates.

The Health Minister, Deputy Richard Renouf, has echoed that message:

"We know that transmission is much greater when people mix with other households inside their homes, so it is vital not to exceed the number of 10, to keep groups small and consistent, to continue to meet outdoors wherever possible, to avoid attending multiple gatherings of people over consecutive periods and to keep indoor spaces well ventilated.

"If you have been protecting a vulnerable family member or friend by keeping your contact groups small, please continue to do so. The more people you see, the greater the risk of transmission."