Guernsey Press

Alderney expects to be at stage two tomorrow

ALDERNEY is preparing to enter stage two of its exit from lockdown tomorrow.

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A team of fitters from the UK is in Alderney to put together its new harbour crane and should be able to start work tomorrow when the island enters stage two of the exit from lockdown.

While islanders will be able to enjoy more freedom, some restrictions will remain in place.

Restaurants, pubs, cafes and hotels can open, but only those that can provide table service.

Non-essential retailers can open, too, and construction sites can also operate, within strict guidelines.

Businesses must keep records to show that they are working to a clear plan under the Covid-19 restrictions and the guidance from Public Health.

St Anne’s School is set to open soon, too, and parents and pupils will be advised about this directly by the head teacher.

Because this move is happening ahead of Guernsey entering stage two, the date of which is still unknown, an Alderney States statement said that the guidelines for people and businesses are likely to change to represent ‘a slightly more cautious approach’ and an update on these is due to appear on the covid.gov.gg website today.

Alderney is due to move to stage three tomorrow, subject to confirmation from the Civil Contingencies Authority.

The island has had only one case of the virus, and the patient has recovered.

‘We are fortunate to be in a position where we currently have no active cases of Covid-19, and we have not seen a new case since that single case was cleared a week ago,’ said Alderney States member Bill Abel.

‘So the CCA and the States of Alderney are agreed that it’s entirely appropriate for Alderney to move forward through its exit from lockdown.’

The move to stage two means that work to piece together Alderney’s new harbour crane can get under way and a team of fitters from the UK is in the island and ready to get started.

The four men work for E. H. Hassell & Son, a partner firm to the crane’s manufacturer, Sennebogen, and will live and work in isolation.

They are staying in private residential accommodation with catered meals provided by approved critical workers.

Work was meant to start last month, but bad weather delayed the men’s arrival.

. The 14-day self-isolation rule remains in place for anyone arriving from Guernsey and pleasure boats are not permitted to visit the island until these provisions are modified.

. Further details and clarifications will be published on the alderney.gov.gg website as they become available while full details of the Bailiwick’s exit from lockdown are at covid19.gov.gg/guidance/exit.