Summary

  • Updates for 23-27 March. Our live coverage continues on Monday

  • Over-65s and those with underlying medical conditions to 'self-isolate'

  • - Anyone with conditions that put them at 'severe risk' to 'home isolate'

  • 52 confirmed cases from more than 600 completed tests

  • If you think you have the virus call 01534 445566 between 08:00-20:00

  • Latest advice from the government is available at gov.je/coronavirus

Live Reporting

  1. Shop alone and observe social distancing advises CI Co-op

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  2. Hospital would be "overwhelmed" in worst-case scenario

    Rebecca Thorn
    BBC News Online

    Deputy Richard Renouf, Minister for Health and Social Services, has said Jersey's hospital would be "overwhelmed", in "the worst-case scenario".

    He is pleading with islanders to adopt government advice on coronavirus to "flatten the curve" and delay the rate of infection.

    All the island government's advice is available on gov.je/coronavirus.

  3. Police will able to 'force' those required to self-isolate

    Rebecca Thorn
    BBC News Online

    States of Jersey Police will have the right to "force" people to self-isolate who are required to do so, says Home Affairs Minister Len Norman.

    The legislation is due to take effect from Friday.

  4. Suspected and confirmed cases in separate hospital wards

    Rebecca Thorn
    BBC News Online

    Patients in Jersey's hospital with suspected cases of coronavirus, and those with confirmed cases, are being kept in separate wards.

    These two wards are separated from other hospital wards, Deputy Richard Renouf confirmed to the States.

    Two of the island's 16 confirmed cases are currently receiving hospital treatment.

  5. No evictions in next three months

    Rebecca Thorn
    BBC News Online

    Deputy Judy Martin, Jersey's Minister for Social Security says there will be "no evictions over the next three months", because courts are not sitting.

    She has appealed to landlords not to send eviction letters during the pandemic.

    Deputy Martin told ministers the States would help pay the rent for those on income support.

    No support system has been decided on for those who have not spent five years on the island.

  6. Testing kits to arrive in 'two to four weeks'

    Rebecca Thorn
    BBC News Online

    Deputy Richard Renouf, Minister for Health and Social Services, says testing kits will arrive in Jersey in two to four weeks.

    He said he could not give a specific date for their arrival, but kits will be "immediately usable".

    Dr Ivan Muscat, Jersey's deputy chief medical officer, is speaking to people "everyday" to get the equipment in, he said.

    Deputy Renouf added the island's needs were recognised by the NHS who are controlling the supply.

  7. Community will emerge "stronger and more cohesive"

    Rebecca Thorn
    BBC News Online

    The Bailiff of Jersey, Timothy Le Cocq, has opened debate in the States with a message of hope.

    He said whilst these are "very challenging circumstances" for all, "it is palpable that the people of Jersey are stepping up to the mark".

    We will emerge a "stronger and more cohesive community" when the pandemic is over, he said.

  8. 'Lockdown' petition reaches 5,000 signatures

    Rebecca Thorn
    BBC News Online

    A petition calling for Jersey to go into "lockdown" has acquired more than 5,000 signatures.

    It says only food, medical, and "other needed supplies" should be allowed into the island until "a vaccine or treatment has been created".

    "Do not allow the general public or anyone else into the island, without quarantine, or staff wearing PPE removing any goods needed", it continues.

    As it has more than 5,000 signatures the petition will be considered for debate by the States Assembly.

  9. States Assembly debate delayed

    Rebecca Thorn
    BBC News Online

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  10. Jersey Post to stop 'Call&Check' visits

    Rebecca Thorn
    BBC News Online

    Jersey Post has been advised to stop its 'Call&Check' visits due to the coronavirus.

    The service saw postal workers visit members of the community who might require support or assistance, to allow them to live independently for as long as possible.

    Organisers of 'Call&Check' said a telephone service had been set up for those who would have previously received the face-to-face visits.

    They said anyone who wanted more information should call 280800.

    The service is working with the government to offer alternative home services.

  11. Time for Jersey to follow UK, says deputy chief minister

    Rebecca Thorn
    BBC News Online

    Senator Lyndon Farnham says "it is time for Jersey to follow UK".

    It follows an announcement from Boris Johnson on Monday evening, imposing stricter curbs on life to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

    Ministers in Jersey are due to debate increased legal powers for the government in the States meeting starting at 10:30.

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  12. Jersey Hospice Care closes shops

    Rebecca Thorn
    BBC News Online

    The charity has said its shops in St Helier and Beau Pre are closing until further notice, due to social distancing rules.

    It added it would no longer be accepting donations.

  13. Start of States meeting delayed for briefing for members

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  14. Elizabeth Terminal closed to the public

    Rebecca Thorn
    BBC News Online

    The terminal at St Helier Harbour has closed to the public until passenger ferry services resume.

    It will remain open for freight services that continue to serve the island, Ports of Jersey confirmed.

    Face to face service at the Marine Leisure Centre in St Helier has also been suspended.

    Boat owners are asked to phone the Jersey Marinas team on 01534 447708 for assistance.

  15. States to debate new legal powers amid pandemic

    Rebecca Thorn
    BBC News Online

    The States Assembly will today debate new legal powers that could give ministers additional powers amid the coronavirus outbreak.

    Proposed measures would include allowing the minister for treasury and resources to make withdrawals from the island's emergency fund during the pandemic, as well as giving ministers the power to shut down any public gathering considered a risk to public health.

    Ministers have already agreed that from next week Health and Community Services will be able to employ retired doctors and the government will have the power to impose screening, assessment and self-isolation for coronavirus on individuals.

    They are also allowing self-employed workers to defer payment of their social security contributions without it affecting their benefits.

  16. Wedding ceremonies will continue to be held

    Rebecca Thorn
    BBC News Online

    Wedding couple

    Jersey's Superintendent Registrar has said they will continue to conduct wedding ceremonies, in line with social distancing guidelines.

    It means ceremonies may be restricted to the couple, the celebrant, and two witnesses, as well as being moved to a different location.

    Couples due to get married before the end of June are recommended to get in contact with the Registrar on weddings@gov.je.

    The States Assembly will this week consider whether to introduce legal powers to shut down events if there is a risk to public health.

  17. Social distancing measures tightened

    Rebecca Thorn
    BBC News Online

    Jersey residents must now stand 6ft (2m) apart from others to help contain the spread of the coronavirus.

    The stricter measures mean more businesses will be forced to close, including:

    • cinemas, theatres, and concert halls
    • museums and galleries
    • spas, wellness centres and massage facilities
    • all indoor leisure and sports facilities, including gyms and swimming pools betting shops.

    Food retailers, supermarkets and shops that supply fuel, medicines, food takeaway or delivery services can remain open.

    The measures follow the UK's introduction of strict social distancing rules on Monday evening.

    Chief Minister, Senator John Le Fondré, said: "I want to assure Islanders that we are enacting the right measures, at the right time, for Jersey.

    "It is by no means an easy decision for ministers to require that certain local businesses premises need to close, but it is in the best interests of islanders’ health to do so and that remains our highest priority."

  18. Isle of Man closes borders to non-residents

    People who are vital to keeping the island running may be able enter the island.

    Read More

  19. Police warn against Covid-19 scam text

    Rebecca Thorn
    BBC News Online

    The States of Jersey Police is warning islanders to ignore a scam text asking recipients to make a payment relating to the coronavirus.

    Officers said anyone who receives the text should delete it.

    It is different to an official text sent by the States of Jersey on Friday about social distancing.

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  20. Longueville Manor Hotel to close

    Rebecca Thorn
    BBC News Online

    Longueville Manor drivewayGoogle

    The hotel and restaurant said the "global crisis" caused by Covid-19 had forced it to make the "heartbreaking decision" to close until further notice.

    "As a small family owned hotel, we really appreciate your support and understanding in these circumstances where no rules have been written and no precedents set", it said in a Facebook post.

    "We are doing our upmost to overcome the many challenges involved in this unexpected crisis, but also have hope for the future and we know we will be back better and stronger."

    The hotel said it would continue to keep in touch on social media.