Sark allows outdoor workers while Alderney opens some kitchens

The changes have been agreed as there are currently no cases of coronavirus on the island and there are strict measures in place for anyone arriving in Sark.

Sark’s Chief Pleas had requested changes to the restrictions, which Health & Social Care has approved, its president Heidi Soulsby has said.

It means that in Sark people working alone or in pairs outdoors will be allowed to return to work, as long as they maintain social distancing.

‘Public Health has carefully considered the proposals and it has the full support of the director of Public Health as a means of a pilot transition from firm lockdown, with a clear safeguard that it would immediately be revoked in the event of a single positive test,’ Deputy Soulsby said.

Alderney has also had no cases of coronavirus and its States had requested that some establishments’ kitchens might be allowed to reopen to help with Meals on Wheels supplies.

This has been allowed if they were operated by a lone worker.

‘The Connaught has reached capacity to provide food for Meals on Wheels there,’ Deputy Soulsby said.

‘As a consequence, the committee has agreed to authorise four establishments to provide prepared food, as long as they do so with lone workers in the kitchens and the food is delivered by Meals on Wheels.

‘It is important to make it clear that these are limited exemptions, specific to our smaller islands to meet their unique needs.

‘We are looking at what we can do for the Bailiwick as a whole over the next two days.’

Representatives from across the Bailiwick have been involved throughout the development of the plans being implemented to protect islanders from Covid-19.

Civil Contingencies Authority chairman Gavin St Pier said: ‘Our collective objective is clear, we must reduce the spread of Covid-19 and make sure that our shared health infrastructure is not overwhelmed.

‘All three islands wish to see normal life resume as soon as it is safe to do so, but this must happen at the right time as informed by the professional expertise available to the islands. We are all committed to following the advice of Public Health Services.’