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  1. End of our live coverage

    Enjoy your Easter weekend and we'll be back with more live coverage on Tuesday.

    Remember to keep social distancing and stay home, stay safe.

  2. Second phase of £140m business support scheme

    A further £140m to support struggling businesses has been announced by the Government of Jersey.

    The second phase of the "co-funded payroll scheme" will also expand the list of businesses eligible to apply for support, Deputy Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham said.

    Employees and self-employed people will receive 80% of their wages up to £1,600 per month from the government, with businesses topping up the rest.

    It will initially last for three months, covering the period between April and June.

    However, the government said it has budgeted for a potential two month extension and had allocated a further £140m for this eventuality.

    The new industries covered include air transport, design agencies, digital businesses and many other industries, Senator Farnham announced.

    He said: In short, the scheme is now very wide and only excludes a handful of sectors most likely to withstand the crisis without support."

    He added the government had also relaxed an initial requirement for firms to prove they had lost more than 30% of their monthly turnover.

    Full detail of the scheme, including all eligible business sectors and how to apply is available on the government's website

    The first phase of the subsidy which was launched at the start of the month, was initially limited to the businesses most in need of immediate financial assistance.

    The government said more than £1.1m of the £101m first phase had been paid to approximately 4,000 businesses already.

  3. Co-op ends double dividend in bid to space out shoppers

    Co-op stamps

    The double dividend promotion run by the Channel Islands Co-operative Society on Tuesdays and Wednesdays has been cancelled "until further notice".

    Members normally receive 4p into their account for every £1 spent, with 4p and £1 stamps issued during double dividend promotions, which once enough were collected could be used to pay for goods.

    Instead from Tuesday the society, which businesses include supermarkets, convenience stores, a travel agent, a funeral directors and pharmacies in the islands, will include an extra 1p in every £1 spent.

    Mark Cox, acting chief executive officer, said: "We know how much our members love ‘double divi’ by collecting stamps and we have been finding many are still choosing to do their essential shopping on our double dividend days.

    "By providing a bonus dividend every day, we hope to discourage this focus on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and ensure that islanders can shop as safely as possible every day of the week."

    The additional money will be added to members’ share accounts on 1 July.

    The group has also announced a 10% bonus in May for its front line staff for "their continued hard work in helping to supply our island communities with food and pharmacy items".

    Mr Cox said: "All society colleagues have gone above and beyond in recent weeks, during a very difficult time, and we wanted to thank our fantastic colleagues."

  4. Government calls on islanders to fill out household survey

    Rebecca Thorn

    BBC News Online

    The Government of Jersey is asking islanders to fill out a household health survey.

    The online form asks for the following information for each household member:

    • Any symptoms of coronavirus
    • Recent travel
    • Underlying medical conditions
    • Were they self-isolating before 30 March

    The survey does not tell people if they have Covid-19, and islanders can update their information if their condition changes.

    Results will be used to understand "how the virus is spreading and inform the island’s public health strategy", the government said.

    The Minister for Health, Deputy Richard Renouf said: "Together with our island-wide testing programme, it will help us to understand where and when coronavirus is spreading to inform our future decisions.

    "We invite all Islanders to complete this form, whether they’re unwell or feeling well and healthy, ideally within the next two weeks."

    The survey can be found on the government website or by calling the coronavirus helpline on 445566 for those without internet access.

  5. Tenants cannot be evicted during pandemic

    Rebecca Thorn

    BBC News Online

    Landlords will not be able to evict tenants if they are unable to pay their rent during the coronavirus pandemic.

    Approval from the States on Thursday means landlords will not be allowed to use arrears accrued in this period as grounds for evicting a tenant when lockdown restrictions are lifted.

    The change includes a suspension on rent increases, and tenants will be able to extend their tenancies during the coronavirus outbreak if they wish to.

    Senator Sam Mezec, who proposed the change, said these were "extraordinary measures in extraordinary times".

    "It's simply not good enough to rely on good will during a health crisis."

    He said opposition to the amendment was "at best naive and at worst irresponsible".

    Responding to the proposition, Jersey Landlords Association had said it was disappointed by "the sledgehammer of legislation to protect tenants rather than trusting landlords to do the right thing".

    "Whilst we understand and agree with his motives - to protect the vulnerable during this unprecedented period of uncertainty - we feel that this is a step too far."

    The measures are due to stay in place until 30 September.

  6. Supermarket group appeals for cloth masks for workers

    Rebecca Thorn

    BBC News Online

    Cloth face masks and sewing machines

    SandpiperCI says it is finding it "very difficult" to source cloth masks for its supermarket workers.

    On Tuesday the Government of Jersey advised all islanders to wear cloth masks when out in public to help stop the spread of coronavirus.

    Supermarket staff are currently using disposable masks, but Sandpiper warned this risked putting "further pressure on supply of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) to health and other frontline workers".

    The organisation has called on anyone who can help to make and supply cloth masks to get in touch.

    Alternatively, islanders can drop off masks to their local Morrisons Daily, Iceland, Marks and Spencer or Checkers Xpress store.

    The firm has also shared a guide on how to make cloth masks released by St John Ambulance in Jersey.

  7. Funerals limited to 10 close family members

    Only 10 mourners will be allowed at funerals in Jersey due to social distancing restrictions under the coronavirus pandemic.

    Funerals can be attended only by family members who are not in isolation and who do not have symptoms of coronavirus.

    Chief Minister John Le Fondre said: "Losing a loved one is a distressing experience and funerals are important.

    "During this very difficult time, our aim is to protect the most vulnerable from the spread of coronavirus.

    "We are working closely with faith leaders, Public Health and funeral directors, to protect islanders."

    The Government of Jersey says it has "enhanced protocols" for the safe and dignified handling of those who have died, or are suspected to have died, from Covid-19.

  8. Temporary care homes must prove their necessity

    Rebecca Thorn

    BBC News Online

    Temporary care homes in Jersey must prove that they are required before they can be set up during the coronavirus outbreak.

    States Members previously agreed the temporary settings would not have to complete the usual registration process, or meet the typical regulations for permanent care homes.

    An amendment filed by Deputy John Young also means these care homes must consult the Jersey Care Commission so that it can provide "all appropriate advice and support".

    Deputy Richard Renouf, Minister for Health and Social Services, said the changes would give "breathing space" to the temporary homes.

    "This will be a care environment, and we will be looking after islanders", he said.

  9. Nurseries closure: States to review fees and funding

    BBC Channel Islands News

    Jersey's education minister has expressed sadness at the closure of the Rainbow Tots nurseries due to the financial pressure of the coronavirus lockdown.

    Senator Tracey Vallois said: "I truly regret that the owner has had to take this very difficult decision."

    She said the Government of Jersey recognises the "essential contribution to the community and economy" of the childcare industry.

    "We are committed to doing all that we can to ensure that it remains able to sustain the services it provides once Covid-19 restrictions have been lifted."

    Ms Vallois said: "It was a hugely difficult decision to close schools and advise nurseries to do likewise due to the coronavirus crisis.

    "The issues that we are facing have never before been encountered, and all areas of society are being presented with unprecedented challenges."

    She added: "I have also established a new project board to review all the funding and fee issues pertaining to nurseries, schools and colleges and will report back on this funding project later this month."

  10. Limits for contactless payments increased to £45

    Banks in Jersey have increased the contactless limit from £30 to £45 to minimise the handling of card readers in a bid to reduce the spread of coronavirus.

    Contactless payments are made by tapping a device such as a debit or credit card or smartphone over a card reader, without needing to enter a pin number.

    Man using phone to pay by contactless payment

    The move was welcomed by the Assistant Minister for Treasury and Resources, Senator Ian Gorst.

    He said: "People should only leave their homes for essential reasons, for a maximum of two hours a day.

    "Increasing the contactless payments limit to £45 will help prevent the spread of Covid-19 as people carry out these essential activities."

  11. Nurseries shut with the loss of 32 jobs

    BBC Channel Islands News

    A founder of two nurseries is "enormously sad" at their closure, which is due to the inability to meet running costs during the coronavirus lockdown in Jersey.

    Rainbow Tots at Les Quennavais was opened in 2003 and the one at Beaumont in 2006.

    Jayne Newton said: "The closure of the nursery due to coronavirus has meant that we are no longer receiving fees and without this income we are unable to meet the running costs of the nursery this month or in the months ahead.

    "There are various loans available, but I do not think that it is the right decision to take on what would be a very big loan without being sure that it was possible to repay it.

    "The deferment of Social Security again is a build up of debt that would need to be paid at a future date."

    She said: "I am enormously sad that the nursery will be closing.

    "Some of the 32 staff have been at Rainbow Tots since we opened and we are a close team."

    Mrs Newton said she had been contacted by many of the families who use the nurseries and they were "understandably shocked and upset" to hear of the closure and had the additional worry about future childcare options.

    She thanked the families that have offered to help "in many different ways".

  12. States of Jersey discussing emergency measures

    Politicians are discussing emergency laws for the protection of tenants, about how the island's courts can continue to sit under the coronavirus restrictions and changing the process needed to set up temporary care homes or adult day care centres.

    The meeting being held remotely has just got under way and you can listen online.

  13. On-island testing begins

    Rebecca Thorn

    BBC News Online

    People can now be tested for coronavirus in Jersey, after the first batch of testing kits arrived on Tuessday.

    Previously any tests had to be sent to the UK for analysis, which took about 48 hours for a result.

    A spokesman said the on-island kits will give patients their results on the same day.

    Priority will be given to people who are admitted to hospital with coronavirus symptoms, and any healthcare staff who require testing to return to work, the Government of Jersey said.

    The test assesses whether a person is carrying the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the infectious agent which causes Covid-19.

    These are different from antibody tests, which are used to determine if someone has had coronavirus and developed immunity to the infection.

    Pathology manager, Adrian O’Keeffe, said: "The ability to test for Covid-19 in Jersey means that people admitted to hospital can promptly be put onto the most appropriate treatment and they don’t need to be held in isolation rooms for 48 hours pending their result.

    "It also gives us a more realistic picture of the current number of infections in Jersey."

    Jersey's Minister for Health and Social Services, Deputy Richard Renouf said the arrival of the kits was "wonderful news" and thanked hospital laboratory staff.

  14. Jersey Post gives away Easter eggs to hospital

    Jersey Post has donated the Easter eggs normally given to staff annually to front line hospital workers.

    The company said it was giving away the chocolate treats after their employees chose to do so.

    The donation was to offer a "huge thank you" for the "fantastic work" of hospital staff during the coronavirus crisis.

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  15. Free health and wellbeing app available in Jersey

    woman sitting on yoga mat, holding a phone

    A Jersey-based wellbeing app is now available for free during the coronavirus lockdown, the Government of Jersey has announced.

    The Soulgenic Wellbeing app is the work of local digital startup Soulgenic, who made the app in partnership with Move More Jersey and Digital Jersey.

    The programmes focus on the "four pillars of wellbeing" - mind and body, fitness, health and nutrition.

    It can be downloaded for iPhone or Android.

    The six different 28-day programmes give those isolated at home the opportunity to keep fit and become "more productive" during the lockdown, Jersey Sport said.

  16. 'Bag of Basics' offered by Alliance supermarket

    Rebecca Thorn

    BBC News Online

    Contents of bag of basics bag on counter

    Alliance Supermarket is offering a 'Bag of Basics' delivery costing £20 in total.

    It forms part of a scheme set up by Jersey's Consumer Council calling on food retailers to help support islanders struggling to get to a supermarket.

    The initative was launched on Tuesday, with Jersey's taxi drivers delivering the bags to people's homes.

    Alliance said it had sent out 26 bags so far.

    A 'Bag of Basics' includes:

    • Hovis medium white sliced bread
    • Tesco salted butter
    • Six free range eggs
    • Tesco fusilli pasta
    • Growers Harvest chopped tomatoes
    • Heinz Baked Beans
    • Tesco Farm white potatoes 2.5kg
    • Selection of fruit (bananas, oranges, apples)
    • Two litres of semi skimmed milk
    • Four pack of Tesco toilet tissue

    All islanders can use the service, regardless of age or health and items in the bag cannot be swapped for something else.

    Orders can be placed by emailing Askjersey@alliance.gg, with a full name, address and telephone number, or call 01534 786746 between 09:00 and 12:00 in the afternoon Monday to Friday.

    The service will be available on Good Friday and Easter Monday.

    Carl Walker, chairman of the Consumer Council said: "Food delivery is going to become hugely important this year, but it will take time for Jersey to adapt.

    "In the meantime, we have taxi drivers out of work - who know the island’s roads like no-one else - and food retailers are looking for more ways to get their items delivered. It therefore makes perfect sense to put the two together."

  17. Jersey care group launches online training for carers

    An online training facility for carers has been rolled out in Jersey, due to being unable to conduct face to face training during the lockdown.

    Care Academy, the Jersey training arm of LV Care Group, said they launched this facility because of the of the "increased demand for new carers locally".

    The academy has also made the online training courses completely free of charge.

    The courses are for care workers seeking to update their training, as well people new to the profession.

    Care Academy said they are also suitable for people caring for family members.

    The service has already had 180 people sign up, including current carers, nurses, support workers and people new to the sector.

    Currently available courses are:

    • Health and safety
    • Infection control
    • Principles of moving people safely
    • Data protection
    • Safeguarding
    • Fire safety
    • Introduction to Food Hygiene and Safety in Health and Social Care
    • Introduction to Equality, Diversity and Human Rights

    Upcoming courses available in the coming weeks include:

    • Basic life support (theory only)
    • Care certificate (theory course, but a practical competency document to complete in practice will be provided)
    • Sepsis awareness
    • Awareness of medication administration
    Quote Message: We are proud to be able to offer this free online training in the local community at a time when the care sector in Jersey is in desperate need of additional support as it battles the challenges of COVID-19." from Verity Sangan Head of Training and Education, Care Academy
    Verity SanganHead of Training and Education, Care Academy
  18. Nearly 3,000 islanders volunteer to help during pandemic

    Rebecca Thorn

    BBC News Online

    A volunteer network set up by the Government of Jersey during the coronavirus outbreak has received more than 2,800 applications from islanders.

    The ConnectMe scheme matches up government resources, charities, businesses and volunteers with the needs of people in Jersey.

    Malcom Ferey, volunteer co-ordinator, said more than 130 community organisations and 170 businesses had signed up to offer their time and support.

    In the last week, 160 Jersey residents have benefited from the service.

    Mr Ferey said: "At the moment the offer is far in excess of the need, which is good. As the situation unfolds, we expect that dynamic to change.

    "If thousands of people give us a little bit, that will sustain us through the period."

    He asked volunteers who have not yet been tasked to wait to be contacted.

    Information on how to register can be found on gov.je/connectme

  19. Condor suspends passenger services until 14 May

    Ben Chapple

    BBC News Online

    Condor Rapide

    Condor Ferries has announced a further suspension of passenger sailings up until the middle of May due to the ongoing travel restrictions to and from the Channel Islands.

    The company continues to provide freight services but its passenger sailings have been cancelled since 23 March.

    "This is a very difficult and inconvenient situation for everyone, as we have now cancelled seven weeks of our busy spring schedule which are so important for the visitor economy and travel for islanders," said Paul Luxon, CEO of Condor Ferries.

    "All passengers affected by the cancellations will be offered a rebooking or travel voucher which is valid for 18 months."

    He added: "Our contact teams will be extremely busy during this period and we ask for patience due to the unprecedented changes to the schedule."