Press Release - Alderney Stage 1 17.02.2021

Alderney moves to lockdown exit Stage One tomorrow (Feb 18)

Alderney moves into Stage One of lockdown exit on Thursday February 18. Guernsey will
enter Stage One on Monday (February 22).

Only one case of Covid-19 has been identified through 'track and trace' on Alderney
whereas some cases are still being found in Guernsey where the source of the infection is
unclear.

The move to Stage One means some businesses that have not been able to operate in the
full lockdown can resume some business activity, provided they limit the number of staff
working, and those staff are socially distanced and follow strict guidance. Businesses that
deal directly with customers, such as hairdressers or non-essential shops, must remain
closed to the public.

It will also allow each household to 'bubble' with one other household. Outdoor gatherings
of up to five people outside a household bubble will also be permitted, provided those
taking part are all socially distanced. Up to four hours of outdoor recreational activity each
day is permitted within these parameters.

Workplaces that do not deal directly with customers will be able to operate with up to 10
members of staff for outdoor sites and five members of staff for indoor sites where the
work cannot be done remotely, and where social distancing can be observed and sufficient
handwashing facilities can be provided.

Deliveries and takeaways can operate on a delivery-only basis within these parameters and
the requirements of this stage. Non-essential shops will remain closed to the public
although deliveries are now permitted, but strict Covid delivery hygiene procedures must be
followed.

From tomorrow (Feb 18), businesses are required to notify the States of Guernsey of their
intention to operate and to maintain records, demonstrating that they are working to a
clear method statement. If people are able to work remotely, they should continue to do so.
To notify intention to operate, visit https://covid19.gov.gg/guidance/business/operate and
for more detailed information click the PDF link at the bottom of that page.

Businesses are expected to operate responsibly in the interests of the community as a
whole, with a particular emphasis on ensuring all individuals displaying symptoms, however
mild, stay at home. Everyone is reminded that the rules on face coverings remain in force
exactly as they were during the period of lockdown that the Island is about to leave as it
enters recovery Stage 1.

Deputy Peter Ferbrache, Chair of the Civil Contingencies Authority, said: "We know this
lockdown has been far from easy, but the community has done a tremendous job in getting
this more transmissible variant of the virus under control. But as we continue to see cases,
including those where the source is not clear, we need to tread very carefully.
"It is a very limited 'unlocking' to ensure we do not see another sudden rise in cases. But it's
a positive step forward and does allow us to see some of our loved ones again and allow
some parts of the economy to get back to work in a careful, controlled way."
The timing of a move to Stage Two will depend on a number of criteria such as:

•  No new clusters of infections or individual cases of infection that cannot be controlled by 'Test, Track and Isolate'
•  Adequate hospital, primary care, community and emergency service capacity
•  Continued local testing, the surveillance programme and the continued roll-out of vaccine Public adherence to the guidance

Stage Two will allow gatherings of up to 30 people inside or outside, and restaurants, pubs,
cafés and hotels will be able to operate with table service only. Ultimately, Stage 3 will see a
return to the 'Bailiwick Bubble' with social, recreation and business activity permitted.

More details on Stage 1 can be found at https://covid19.gov.gg/guidance/exit