Guernsey is in lockdown
GUERNSEY is in lockdown.
Strict measures that were described as even more restrictive than those during the Occupation came into force at midnight in an effort to help combat the threat of the coronavirus.
They follow the first case of it spreading within the community being confirmed.
People should stay at home except for very limited purposes, non-essential shops have been closed and all gatherings of more than two people have been banned.
There are now 23 confirmed cases of Covid-19.
‘These measures introduce the most far reaching deprivation of personal liberties since the Second World War,’ said Policy & Resources president Gavin St Pier.
‘These are not decisions that we have taken lightly. The impact of these decisions is far reaching but I am absolutely certain that it is the right thing to do to protect our community.’
It has been a swiftly evolving situation, with the community spread identified on Monday evening, and emergency meetings taking place yesterday before an announcement at 7pm.
The strict measures, which can be enforced with fines, will be in place for a fortnight at least, but Deputy St Pier warned people to prepare for twice that.
There are only four reasons for leaving the house.
Shopping for basic necessities like food and medicine; for up to two hours of exercise including walking, cycling, running and sea swimming; medical needs and travelling to and from work when it cannot be done from home.
There are no cases of the coronavirus being treated in the hospital and no one has died locally from it.
Guernsey Press Comment on Page 16 of today's Guernsey Press.
