Sark to ease lockdown on Monday

A paper from Sark was discussed during a Civil Contingencies Authority meeting on Thursday.

Having never had a Covid case on Sark, it was agreed that the island will enter stage one of the exit from lockdown before the rest of the Bailiwick.

CCA chairman Deputy Peter Ferbrache recognised that, while Guernsey will not consider whether it will move to the first stage until Tuesday, the other islands in the Bailiwick might be in very different situations.

Following representation to the CCA by Sark representative Conseiller John Guille, it was agreed that Sark could move to the first recovery stage from Monday.

The school's headteacher, Dr Nicholas Roberts, will be in contact with parents to advise them of the procedures that will be in place when children return to school.

All shops and banks will open on Monday, but it will still be mandatory to wear face coverings at all times in the premises.

People should still use hand sanitiser, shop quickly, have just one member of each household attend and respect social distancing.

Restaurants are able to offer takeaways only, with individually timed collections, and pubs can continue to offer sales, including deliveries.

Alderney will also be able to move through the lockdown exit stages at a different pace to Guernsey, depending on its situation.

On 5 February, Alderney’s first ever Covid-19 case was identified, but it was contained quickly thanks to the patient’s adherence to self-isolation guidance.

For Alderney to accelerate its exit, it must clear such a decision with the CCA.