Covid-19 round-up: Guernsey Mind suspends group meetings; Mallard cinema restricts seating; small business suspend some services

'We have people who have physical conditions who attend our groups and people who care for those in the vulnerable categories,' said its executive director Emily Litten.

'As transmission rates are likely to be high, even if symptoms for most people will not be severe, it is our responsibility to protect all people who use our services, and also not to discriminate against those who are particularly vulnerable at this time.'

She said it had feedback that people feel they ‘should’ attend if the groups are running. 'Since suspending the groups, we have heard many responses from people that they are grateful we have taken the decision out of their hands,' she said.

'Our office is still open, we are available by phone and one -to-one appointments are still taking place. We are also working to create closed video facebook groups (or equivalent) for all of our groups (even the choir), and we hope these will be running next week so people can take part from home, or in small groups.

'The decision was not taken lightly and we are desperate to get up and running again as soon as possible. We have tried to make the best decision for everyone and hope to have online groups running next week. Please do get in contact if you are worried in any way.'

Cinema goers at the Mallard are being allocated seats further apart to help prevent the spread of the virus.

'Nothing is more important than the safety of our customers and employees,' a spokesman for the cinema said.

'Please note that as a management team we are working to continuously monitor information provided by our local health officials and as such are taking measures to help keep our workplace and the services we provide as safe as we can.

'As a voluntary precautionary measure, we are restricting the allocation of seats in our cinema screens, so as to attempt to allow our customers to maintain social distancing. 'We kindly ask that all customers abide by the seat allocation provided on their ticket, despite the vacant rows this will leave in each screen. This will not affect any bookings already made for the next few days, which can be collected as usual. We also ask you to familiarise yourself with the recommendations currently provided by the Guernsey Public Health Services in regards to helping you with simple daily precautions to prevent the spread of a respiratory illness.'

SOME small businesses have closed showrooms or stopped offering personal services as they react to the spread of Covid-19.

Guernsey Trade Windows responded after the World Health Organisation classified the outbreak as a pandemic yesterday.

'Regrettably with immediate effect we will be closing our showroom and office to the general public until further notice,' it said in a post on Facebook.

'Please note this is a temporary measure until further updates are provided by local authorities. Health and safety is of the upmost importance and must come first. We hope you understand and apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.'

Face Painting by Joni has called all face painting until the situation is clearer.

'I hope people understand that this is to ensure the health and safety of everyone, it’s not a decision I’ve taken lightly and I will be suffering financially but I want to remain cautious about close contact, especially around young children and parents with babies,' said Joni Nettleship on Facebook.

'If you have a booking please contact me.'