Covid-safety measures put in place in St Helier as shops prepare to reopen
With less than 24 hours to go before shops can reopen in Jersey (3 February), new safety measures have been put in place in St Helier.
Signs have been put along the high street to remind islanders to keep at least two-metres apart when shopping. People are also being asked to stay to the left as part of a new one way system to promote social distancing.
Some bins and benches have also been removed to create more space and people are being asked to wear masks both indoors and out.
Retailers have been issued with a safe opening checklist to follow with the aim of making shops coronavirus secure. It includes:
Checks to make sure staff do not come into work if they think they have coronavirus symptoms.
Ensuring all staff attend workforce screening regularly.
Completing a Covid-19 risk assessment and review it at least monthly.
Cleaning touch points, and all shared equipment in shop and staff areas regularly.
Limiting the number of customers to ensure 2-metre or more distance.
Maximising ventilation.
Jersey's government also says 15 members of the Contact Tracing team have formed a new Covid Support service which will offer advice to businesses and what actions will be taken in response to any confirmed coronavirus cases in the workplace.
If coronavirus cases remain low in the island, the government says that hairdressers and other beauty services will also be able to reopen a week later on Wednesday 10 February.
After a meeting with the Scientific and Technical Advisory Cell (STAC), the government also says the measures will remain in place for three weeks before any further relaxations can be introduced.
The government also says that from tomorrow (3 February), States of Jersey Police will have extra patrols in and around St Helier and other locations in the island, to provide support on the latest government guidance.