Ministers have announced stricter social distancing rules from today, and more businesses have been told to close.

We're are now being told to keep at least 2 metres (6 feet) apart to help slow the spread of coronavirus and reduce the impact on Jersey's health care services.

Social distancing was introduced for everyone in Jersey on Friday 20th March.

Spas, wellness centres and massage facilities - and betting shops - have been told to close.

So too have cinemas, theatres, concert halls, museums, galleries, and indoor leisure and sports facilities - although most have already shut their doors.

Chief Minister Senator John Le Fondre says they are enacting the right measures at the right time for Jersey.

“Yesterday the UK introduced national self-isolation, based on their modelling and position on the curve.

Based on our clinical modelling and where we are on our curve, we have extended the following measures. I want to assure Islanders that we are enacting the right measures, at the right time, for Jersey. At this stage, that means strengthening our compliance with strict social distancing measures.

It is by no means an easy decision for Ministers to require that certain local businesses premises need to close, but it is in the best interests of Islanders’ health to do so and that remains our highest priority.

Measures to support businesses have been discussed by the Council of Ministers, with some already announced last week. We will continue to implement help for those people whose jobs and businesses have been directly impacted.”

Industry guidance is being issued to essential retailers to extend their social distancing to 2 metres.

Further information and announcements are expected during this week's States Assembly sitting which begins this morning.

It's taking place in Fort Regent so politicians can abide by the advice to stay the required distance away from each other.

Ministers are due to be given more legal powers to protect islanders, including forcing people to self-isolate and be tested if required.

On Monday night the UK Prime Minister announced strict new measures limiting when people can leave their homes. Economic Development Minister Senator Lyndon Farnham tweeted to say Jersey should follow.

Coronavirus Advice

If you think you might have the virus, you should self-isolate and call the Health Department's coronavirus helpline:

01534 445566

It's open every day between 8am and 8pm. Calls outside these times, or when the line is engaged, won't be answered straight away - but we're told to leave a message and Health officials will call you back.

Please don't visit your GP or the Emergency Department at the General Hospital if you think you have the virus.

Self-isolation

Coronavirus symptoms are similar to that of the flu - a combination of a cough, fever and aching muscles. If you've had any symptoms, even if you haven't travelled abroad, we're being told to self-isolate until they clear up (for a minimum of seven days).

Anyone who has come into contact with a person confirmed to have the coronavirus should stay in self-isolation for at least 14 days.

As of Saturday 28th March, entire households should self-isolate immediately if anyone within that home shows symptoms of coronavirus.

Lockdown restrictions

Jersey's government has announced a phased approach to easing the island's lockdown restrictions. See what's changing below:

Level 4

Lockdown Level 3

Soft Lockdown Level 2

Soft Opening Level 1

Physical Distancing Level 4: Lockdown Until Sunday 10th May Physical Distancing: Keep a two metre distance with people outside your home. Leaving home: You can go out for up to four hours a day - but only for essential shopping, medical care and outdoor activities. Gatherings: Household + 2. You can spend time outside with your household and up to two other people. Larger groups and going into others' homes are still not allowed. Education: All schools and colleges remain closed. Travel: On-island travel allowed, passenger ferries cancelled and flights only running to Southampton for medical/compassionate reasons or essential work. Hospitality: Restaurants, bars, pubs and hotels have to stay closed. Leisure: 'Non-essential' venues have to stay closed. Retail: 'Essential' shops can remain open as long as physical distancing is maintained. 'Non-essential' shops have to stay closed. Businesses: 'Essential' work is allowed, but employees should be working from home where possible. Up to two people can work and travel together, as long as physical distancing is maintained. Level 3: Soft Lockdown Monday 11th May-Thursday 11th June Physical Distancing: Keep a two metre distance with people outside your home. Leaving home: Allowed out for up to six hours a day, but we're advised to stay at home as much as possible. Gatherings: Household + 5. You can spend time outside with your household and up to five other people. Larger groups and going into others' homes are still not allowed. Education: Schools reopened from Monday 8th June. Travel: On-island travel allowed, passenger ferries cancelled and flights only running to Southampton for medical/compassionate reasons or essential work. Hospitality: Restaurants, pubs and hotels that offer outside eating areas can re-open as long as diners can physically distance themselves. Bars and other drinks-only venues have to stay closed. Leisure: Some outdoor 'non-essential' attractions can re-open, as long as physical distancing can be maintained. Retail: 'Essential' shops can remain open as long as physical distancing is maintained. 'Non-essential' shops can begin to re-open as long as they adhere to physical distancing rules. Businesses: Outdoor work can resume, as long as teams have fewer than five people. Businesses can allow some staff to return to offices in a staged way, but employees should be working from home where possible. Work requiring entry to private homes is now allowed under strict guidelines. Level 2: Soft Opening Friday 12th June-Friday 7th August Physical Distancing: Keep a two metre distance with people outside your home. Leaving home: Limits and restrictions on going out lifted, but we're advised to stay at home as much as possible. Gatherings: Household + 20. You can spend time outside with your household and up to 20 other people. Larger groups and going into others' homes are still not allowed. Education: Schools gradually re-opening from Monday 8th June, starting with years 6, 10 and 12. Travel: On-island travel allowed. Flights and passenger ferries also allowed as soon as travel routes are re-instated by the operators. Hospitality: Restaurants, pubs and hotels that offer outside eating areas can re-open as long as diners can physically distance themselves. Bars and other drinks-only venues have to stay closed. Leisure: Libraries, community centres, youth clubs, places of worship, museums, cinemas, theatres and other attractions can re-open as long as physical distancing can be maintained. Retail: All shops are allowed to open, as long as physical distancing is maintained. Businesses: Businesses can allow some staff to return to offices in a staged way, but employees should be working from home where possible. Businesses with proof they are able to physically distance can re-open fully. Level 1: Physical Distancing From Saturday 8th August until a vaccine is created Physical Distancing: Keep a one metre distance with people outside your home. Leaving home: No restrictions on going out, but we need to keep one metre away from others at all times. Gatherings: Household + 25. You can spend time outside with your household and up to 25 other people. Larger groups are still not allowed, but groups of up to 10 people are now allowed in private homes. Education: Schools gradually re-opening from Monday 8th June, starting with years 6, 10 and 12. Travel: All on and off-island travel is allowed, as soon as travel routes are re-instated by the operators. Hospitality: All pubs, bars and restaurants are able to re-open, as long as physical distancing is maintained. Hotels, B&Bs and other accomodation can also re-open subject to guidelines. Leisure: Libraries, community centres, youth clubs, places of worship, museums, cinemas, theatres and other attractions can re-open as long as physical distancing can be maintained. Retail: All shops are allowed to open, as long as physical distancing is maintained. Businesses: All staff are now able to return to their regular place of work, as long as physical distancing can be maintained.

During the self-isolation period of 14 days, anyone who develops flu-like symptoms should call the helpline on +44 (0) 1534 445566.

All the latest information can be found on Gov.je.