Firms might be lost due to measures
HAVING just read the updated measures with regard to the lockdown rules, I am rather disturbed by the latest inclusions in same. I applauded the swift action taken by the States to put the island in lockdown last week, however the latest additions to some commercial activities are not at all well studied. I appreciate that we are a small island with very limited medical resources compared to other jurisdictions, but we must be very vigilant when deciding which businesses should be included in these new regulations.
We are a small island and when it is the time to reawaken our lives after this situation in which we find ourselves has diminished, we must be very careful not to push everyone in business to the wall as they will no longer exist and will be very difficult to revive – any company working externally, i.e. gardeners, window cleaners, scaffolders and who can easily operate with no customer contact, should be allowed to continue. In addition, hardware stores should be allowed to trade as they supply us with very essential items.
With regard to the garden centres, they are now completely fully stocked with plants etc. for the spring/summer season and we in lockdown are being encouraged to pass our time productively in the garden, if we are lucky enough to have one, so would it not be sensible to introduce a scheme where they could open but with the strict proviso that only plants, and of course pet food (which for many here is essential), can be sold? I am sure a system like that being adopted by the supermarkets could work well and at least keep these companies afloat.
Finally, I was amazed to read that we are almost taking pleasure in seeing families being allowed to enjoy the extra space on the beaches to wander and also allowing people to walk etc. with a non-family member as long as they self-distance. I have close family connections with Italy who are located in beachside resorts and can confirm that they are strictly forbidden to go on any beach or stroll with a friend at any time and the price to pay for any infringement of this rule is a fine of 4,000 euros, so maybe this activity should be revisited.
RITA ZANON
Le Gazel,
Saints Road,
St Martin’s,
Guernsey, GY4 6HY.