Guernsey's government places island into lockdown

Guernsey's government has told islanders to stay in their homes to contain the spread of coronavirus.

As of midnight on 24 March 2020, all gatherings of two or more people will be stopped and non-essential shops and community spaces will be closed.

It comes as the number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in Guernsey rose to 23 - including the first case of person-to-person transmission on the island.

Islanders will only be allowed to leave their homes for the following reasons:

• Shopping for essentials, such as food and medicine - this must be as infrequent as possible.

• Exercise such as walking, cycling, running or sea swimming. This must be done alone or with other members from the household and is limited to two hours per day.

• Any medical need if instructed to do so by a healthcare worker or required to do so having called 999, or

• To provide care or to help a vulnerable person.

• Travelling to and from work, but only if work absolutely cannot be done from home.

While taking part in these activities, people must maintain a distance of two metres from anyone outside the household.

Deputy Gavin St Pier, Guernsey's Chief Minister, says the decision to introduce these measures has not been taken lightly.

• Number of coronavirus cases in the Channel Islands

• Where to get advice and support

• How to 'self-isolate'

The Police will be able to enforce the measures through fines and dispersing gatherings.

The restrictions will be in place for the next two weeks, after which they will be reviewed.

• WATCH: Guernsey health professionals urge people to stay at home...