Masks Becoming Mandatory Again

Monday, 19 July 2021 16:59

Masks will become mandatory inside public spaces in Jersey again from Wednesday 21 July.

Everyone aged 12 or older will have to wear them in the following places:

Shops, banks, markets, auction houses, betting houses, and libraries
Indoor food and drink premises, except when seated at a table. This includes when queuing to buy a take-away
Close contact premises, including hairdressers and health services
Communal areas in hotels and accommodation premises
Functions rooms and community halls (including parish halls) when being used for an event such as a performance, rehearsal, meeting, party, exhibition, evening class or other group activity
In gyms and indoor physical activity facilities
Visitor attractions and entertainment facilities
Places used for weddings, funerals or worship if more than 50 people are participating
Vehicles used by driving instructors

Health Minister Deputy Richard Renouf will sign an order making this change because of the sharp increase in Covid-19 cases.

"We are doing all we can to protect Islanders and our health care system, while also keeping the island functioning as far as possible. Masks remain a very effective means in minimising the transmission of COVID-19."

"While we have seen a rise in cases over the past two weeks, it is important to remember the effect our vaccination programme has had on the Island. As of 14 July, over 72,000 Islanders have had at least one dose which is a tremendous figure. The COVID-19 vaccine offers good protection against the virus and I continue to urge everyone to book their slot if they have yet to do so."

Exemption certificates will be made available for people who can't wear masks for health reasons.

Masks were made mandatory in Jersey on 1 December 2020. That legal requirement was removed on 14 June but will return from 21 July.