No takeaways, but Alderney is hoping to gain exemption

On Tuesday, Civil Contingencies Authority chairman Gavin St Pier announced lockdown would continue under review until at least 18 April, but one major change was the availability of home deliveries of goods provided social distancing and other rules were maintained.

Takeaways were excluded from these businesses, causing some public confusion as people commenting live on the announcement spoke about what takeaway they would be having that night.

Deputy St Pier said many kitchens do not provide adequate space for social distancing while preparing food, hence the exclusion.

Alderney’s operational group, led by CEO Andrew Muter, has said there should be some flexibility in the restrictions.

The option for non-essential retailers to deliver goods ordered online or over the phone allows a little more normality to return without a significant increase in the risk of spreading the virus.

But there is no general relaxation of the rules on takeaways as was specifically requested by Alderney.

However, Alderney’s restaurants can apply for an exemption so they can reopen their kitchens for home deliveries only. To do this they will have to demonstrate they can apply social distancing rules. Social distancing of at least two metres must be maintained if more than one person is working in the kitchen.

Kitchens may be subject to checks.

Mr Muter will liaise with Health & Social Care to seek the exemptions.

‘We think the availability of prepared food makes a significant contribution to Alderney’s ability to weather this storm,’ he said.

‘There is pressure on our Meals on Wheels service, which is working at its peak capacity, and there are many people on island who struggle with cooking their own meals and will be delighted that a delivery service will be available again.’