Backbenchers try to postpone opening of Jersey's borders

A group of backbenchers in Jersey's States are trying to push back the opening of the borders.The Scrutiny Liaison Committee has lodged an amendment to the government's Safer Travel proposition.The government announced last week plans to reopen the airport and harbours from Friday 3 July, and ask passengers to submit to a Covid-19 test upon arrival.

Ministers said that results would be available within 12 hours, and that passengers would not be required to self-isolate while they waited.

However, the government admitted yesterday (29 June) that test results were actually taking 24-48 hours to come back. 

Under the alternative plans from Scrutiny, borders would open a week later, on Friday 10 July, and passengers would have to isolate before receiving their results.The government has said that not opening up to airlines at the start of July might mean Jersey losing some air links for the rest of the summer.The States will debate the matter today. You can watch the debate live here.