Friday 12 March 2021
The Civil Contingencies Authority (CCA) has today released its provisional timeframe for moving through the exit from lockdown strategy and removing border and travel restrictions.
The document, which can be read online at https://covid19.gov.gg/guidance/bailiwickblueprint sets out a timeline for removing restrictions with an estimated date at which all restrictions will be lifted.
Deputy Peter Ferbrache, Chair of the CCA said:
'The Bailiwick Blueprint document provides a series of proposed dates upon which the Bailiwick can move towards a new future where this crisis is behind us.
As much as we would like to give absolute certainty at this point, it is impossible to do so as our progression depends upon matters outside of our control. As such, the Blueprint details various caveats that are necessary to consider before any next phase commences.
That being said, there is a light at the end of the tunnel and we can see a point in time where will be COVID-19 no longer means we need to impose such significant restrictions as a result of the virus.'
Key dates of interest are as follows:
- It is proposed that Guernsey will move to Stage 3 of exit from lockdown on Monday 22 March 2021. However, this will be decided by the CCA on Tuesday 16 March 2021.
- Also on 22 March 2021, non-essential travel will be allowed with all people entering the Bailiwick subject to a mandatory 14 days self-isolation with tests on arrival and on day 13; and hotels may open for guests (subject to the border controls in place). The 14 days self-isolation will stay in place until 30 April 2021 when we will reintroduce categories of regional/country prevalence restrictions in relation to testing and self-isolation on arrival. This will coincide with the completion of the administration of the first dose of vaccine for Priority Groups 1 -9.
- It is proposed that schools will be able to return to business as usual (with some guidance in place) from Monday 22 March 2021 if public health indicators remain favourable.
- Stage 3 will initially see a requirement for anyone planning a gathering of over 100 people to provide confirmation that a specific risk assessment is in place and a record of people attending is kept.
- It is proposed that the need for a risk assessment and record of attendees for gatherings of over 100 people will be removed by the end of April 2021.
- 1 July 2021 or later it is expected that our borders can safely re-open with a single test at the border, or pre-travel, being retained (depending on public health concerns).
Dr Nicola Brink, Director of Public Health said:
'The Bailiwick Blueprint is based on a reasonable 'best case scenario' and might not be achieved if there are any emerging public health concerns such as vaccine resistant variants in neighbouring jurisdictions.
What it does do, however, is answer a number of questions we have received from people asking when and how we move out of the pandemic situation.
The Blueprint also recognises that as we move forward we will need to get used to a new normal. All of the positive messages from the pandemic such as hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette and staying a home if you are unwell must become part of our everyday lives to protect our community from COVID-19 and other viruses.'