Hairdressers, beauticians and cinemas to reopen in Guernsey from next weekend

Credit: ITV Channel TV

Hairdressers, beauticians and cinemas can reopen in Guernsey from next weekend.

Guernsey's government has announced that the island will move into phase four of the lockdown exit strategy on Saturday 30 May.

It comes as the island reaches its 22nd consecutive day of no new coronavirus cases.

Guernsey entered phase three on 16 May and have not had any new cases of unexplained community transition since 21 April 2020.

The government says there "is clear evidence that the community is working together".

Health and Social Care says it has made the announcement in time to allow businesses to prepare for the new arrangements.

Phase Four enables the above activities to take place providing social distancing is adhered to where possible and cleaning and hand hygiene requirements are met. Credit: Guernsey States

In addition to this, restrictions on contact between households and those outside the household will be lifted. Social distancing and strict hygiene measures must remain in place as they are "more important than ever as we return to a new normal".

Non-essential travel will be allowed providing people self-isolate for 14 days on their return to the Bailiwick.

Guernsey's Director of Public Health is urging people to continue to come forward and get tested if they think they may have symptoms of the virus.

Adding the that the 'test, trace and quarantine’ strategy remains in place. Dr Brink says "it continues to be effective as evidenced in the lack of new positives and the low number of active cases".

Dr Brink says the government has extended the testing programme to "proactively seek" cases by targeting key workers.

Guernsey's Chief Minister says the government will "continue to be lead by the advice of Public Health".

Phase Five is expected to see people return to 'a normal level of activity'. Credit: Guernsey States

Phase Five is expected to see people return to "a normal level of activity" where pubs and clubs can reopen and the people can resume contact sports.