What does Level Two mean for me? Jersey to move into new phase of lockdown
Jersey's Chief Minister has announced that the island will move into level two of lockdown from tomorrow (12 June), but what does this actually mean for islanders?
Well, from midnight tonight, those in the island will be able to meet with up to 20 people in private gatherings like parties or BBQs while maintaining a physical distance.
You will be able to go venues like hair and beauty salons, community and youth centres and the dentist, as well as many more.
Getting back to the gym will be allowed too, but be warned you will not be able to breathe heavily or sweat too much because of the risks that brings of spreading the virus. Those of you wanting to have a more intensive workout are being asked to do it outside.
Indoor and outdoor swimming pools will also be reopening but you will not be able to use any changing facilities. It is a case of 'play and go' as referred to by the Deputy Chief Minister in the final scheduled press briefing today (11 June).
On a positive note, you will be allowed to have meals inside restaurants, so long as a two metre distance is maintained from other customers and staff. But going out for just a drink is still a no, no - it has to be with a meal.
Those working in offices, warehouses, manufacturing and workshops will be able to have more staff back in their workplaces and cleaners and cooks will be able to go into people's homes again, so long as they can follow the guidelines.
So overall, it is certainly a step forward towards some kind of normality for islanders.
But even with the new freedoms, the message from the government is still to wash your hands, avoid touching your face, catch your cough or sneeze in a tissue or your elbow and clean surfaces regularly.
And on top of this, the States is still urging people to keep a physical distance of two metres from people you do not live with, despite the new freedoms.
Moving into this new phase of lockdown is a step forward for those deemed as 'vulnerable' as well. Instead of being categorised as 'vulnerable' or 'severely vulnerable' though, people will be referred to as being 'high risk' or 'moderate risk'.
Those within the 'moderate' category will now be able to return to work if you and your employer agree it is safe to do so. On top of this, those within the 'high risk' category, will be able to go outdoors to do leisure or recreational activities, so long as you can physically distance from those you do not live with.
Undoubtedly, staycations are going to become more popular in the island as well, with restrictions on international travel set to continue. From midnight tonight, hotels, B&Bs, self catering accommodation, Jersey Heritage lets and campsites will be able to welcome guests again.
That will provide some relief to customers wanting a change from their four walls at home, and especially the hotels which have had their summer season completely obliterated by the pandemic.
Looking ahead to level one, the Chief Minister says it will be early July that the island could take the next cautious step to more freedom which could include reducing physical distancing measures from two to one metre.
However, that depends on how well level two goes. The message from the government is "do take advantage of the further opportunities and freedoms now available to all of us".
But it remains a balancing game, as that is followed by the advice that everyone in the island must play their part not trigger a new upsurge of coronavirus infections, risking a fall back to level four.