Which businesses can reopen? Details of the second phase of Guernsey's lockdown exit revealed

Details of the next step in Guernsey's lockdown exit have been revealed today (22 April).

It has been nearly a month since lockdown was announced on the island, with islanders told to stay in their homes to contain the spread, and all non-essential businesses closed.

Last Friday (17 April), it was revealed that Guernsey would begin a "phased release" from lockdown from Saturday 25 April.

At today's media briefing, the details of how the second phase of the lockdown strategy were revealed.

Some businesses will be able to reopen, with the Director of Public Health 'confident' that lockdown measures can be lifted safely, so long as the employees adhere to strict guidelines on hygiene and social distancing.

Businesses which will be able to reopen include:

  • Gardening, building and other trades where there is no household contact

  • Building wholesale and supply

  • Vehicle servicing, maintenance and repairs (including cars, bikes and marine)

  • Property sales, rentals and business transactions

The new guidance will be effective from Saturday 25 April.

Any business from these categories who wants to operate from Saturday 25 April 2020 should notify Environmental Health.

While the restrictions are being eased for some, the government maintains that the majority of islanders will need to continue staying at home.

It is not until phase three of the exit strategy, that freedom of movement will be extended to more people and businesses.