Guernsey Press

Business guidance issued as island moves to next phase of lockdown exit

NEW official guidance for businesses has been issued ahead of the island move to phase 4 of exit from the Covid-19 lockdown.

Published
An empty High Street on the first day of lockdown. (28317220)

As more businesses are allowed to recommence from tomorrow - Saturday 30 May - as well as some public venues, such as museums and cinemas, the guidance sets out that such a step is subject to ‘appropriate measures’ being implemented to manage the ongoing risk.

A central feature of the guidance is around so-called ‘controlled and uncontrolled environments’.

‘A distinction is now made between controlled and uncontrolled environments, based on the ability to trace contacts quickly and effectively following a confirmed case of Covid-19,’ said an update on the States Covid-19 webpages.

‘Some businesses, events and establishments will meet the criteria for operating a controlled environment, where they may implement reduced social distancing of 1 metre or undertake activity requiring physical contact. Where this is the case, they must provide their contact details from 12 noon, 29 May to controlledbusinessnotification@gov.gg before commencing operations.

‘They must also keep the contact details of everyone working for or using their services and must be contactable to provide this information to public health services, if required.’

It added: ‘Those businesses, events and establishments which operate in an uncontrolled environment must maintain social distancing of 2 metres with enhanced hygiene measures continuing to be observed.

'Those operating in this way in Phase 4 are not required to notify Environmental Health of their intention to do so, but will be required to undertake a risk assessment and make this available to the relevant authorities if requested.’

The risk assessment is available in the downloads section on the States webpages.

It is also being stressed that the public health strategy of ‘test, trace and quarantine’ remains the same and that where staff can work from home they should still be encouraged to do so.

‘Some restrictions relating to work practices, gatherings, hygiene and social distancing will remain in place. Measures to prevent infection, such as avoiding mixing when individuals are unwell and adhering to strict hygiene measures and respiratory etiquette will be of paramount importance as we increase our social connectivity,’ said the States online update.

More information is available at: https://covid19.gov.gg/guidance/business/lockdownupdate