2021 news

Young Islanders are encouraged to get their Covid-19 vaccine as the Rock Up clinics end tomorrow

Islanders who have recently recovered from a confirmed COVID-19 infection will now be classed as a Recently Recovered Previous Positive for 90 days.

The Government’s temporary solution for France’s ‘Pass Sanitaire’ has been given an extension as work to establish a permanent solution is progressed.

As of Wednesday 8 September, over 150,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have now been administered to Islanders.

​Islanders aged 16 and over who have yet to receive their COVID-19 vaccination will be able to receive their vaccinations at various locations around the Island from Monday as the Government's 'Rock Up' campaign returns.

Nearly half of the Island’s 16- and 17-year-olds heading back to school and college this week have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccination.

All Islanders aged 12 and above, who have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, will now be offered lateral flow test (LFT) kits to take home.

More than 2,000 secondary students have registered for the free Lateral Flow Tests ahead of starting school next week.

Islanders with severely weakened immune systems should have a third vaccine dose as part of their primary COVID-19 vaccination schedule.

The majority of schools are due to return on Tuesday, 7 September and secondary students are being offered Lateral Flow Tests before starting school.

Islanders who received one of their two vaccines outside of Jersey can apply for a Covid Status Certificate showing both doses.

The latest Covid-19 vaccination statistics as at Sunday 22 August, show that 32% of Islanders aged 16 and 17 have received a first dose.

On Thursday 26 August, Jersey will enter Stage 7 of the Reconnection Roadmap where the remaining Covid restrictions will be lifted.

The latest COVID-19 vaccination statistics as at Sunday 15 August, show 25% of 16 and 17 year olds have had their first dose since becoming eligible on 5 August.

In line with recommendations from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), a select group of young people aged 12-15 years old are now eligible and can book to receive their first dose of the Pfizer/Biontech COVID-19 vaccine.

Islanders who have applied, will now start receiving their interim QR code certificates for vaccination status recognition in France.

There is a delay for people expecting to receive their QR code certificates for entry to venues in France.

The latest COVID-19 vaccination statistics as at Sunday 8 August, show that 86% of Islanders aged 18 and over have had at least one dose, and 80% are fully vaccinated.

The Deputy Chief Minister talks about easing restrictions as we move to Stage 7 of the Reconnection roadmap on 26 August.

Senator Ian Gorst updates Islanders on the plans for anyone travelling from Jersey to France

Covid-19 restrictions eased as Stage 7 reconnection is announced

This week is the last chance for Islanders, aged 16 and over, to rock up to the mobile vaccine clinics.

Industries which have traditionally relied on migrant workers are being given temporary support to help ease their staffing pressures.

As at Sunday 1 August, 85% of all adult Islanders aged over 18-years old had received one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine. Additionally, 79% of all adult Islanders are fully vaccinated.

Jersey follows JCVI advice on Covid vaccinations for 16-17 year olds

Business support schemes are being extended and garden restrictions relaxed

The Government of Jersey will introduce an interim solution for Islanders who are travelling to France in August and require a ‘Pass Sanitaire’ to enter certain venues.

Fort Regent has extended walk-in appointments throughout August for both first and second doses but the Centre will be closed for a few days this month to prepare for the booster programme.

Adult Islanders and those turning 18 years old within three months-time, will be able to get vaccinated against Covid-19 at various locations around the Island.

Lateral flow kits for direct contacts in households, critical infrastructure, emergency services and the care sector

Ministers have agreed a reduction to the standard period of isolation for people who test positive with COVID-19

Islanders turning 18 years old within three months’ time are now eligible to get their first dose of the vaccine to protect them against Covid-19

The latest statistics as at Sunday 18 July show that 84% of Islanders aged 18 years and over have had at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and 71% are fully vaccinated.

Competent Authority Ministers have agreed a number of measures to protect both Islanders and Jersey’s health service in the face of a continuing rise in active Covid cases.

A speech by the Chief Minister, announcing additional COVID-19 measures.

The vaccine centre at Fort Regent will be opening its doors for first dose walk-in appointments next week, between Monday 26 July and Sunday 1 August, at designated hours of the day.

Almost 5,000 Islanders have booked their first dose since the ‘Time is Running Out’ campaign launched at the end of June and 57,631 Covid Status Certification letters have been sent out to fully vaccinated Islanders.

From 00:00 Wednesday 21 July, Islanders over the age of 12 must wear masks when entering an indoor public space.

A patient who tested positive for Covid-19 has died at Jersey's General Hospital

The latest COVID-19 vaccination statistics as at Sunday 11 July, shows that over two thirds of the Island’s adult population are fully vaccinated.

Ministers have agreed changes to the Island’s testing programme to better align with vaccination coverage and to prioritise symptomatic Islanders who require a test.

Advice for people who think they might be a direct contact of someone who has tested positive for Covid-19

From today until 31 July, parents can share their thoughts on the Learning at Home website, and how it can be developed to better support children and young people.

The Education and Children’s Minister, Deputy Scott Wickenden has issued new Covid advice to schools and colleges.

​Following advice from the Scientific and Technical Advisory Cell (STAC) and in consultation with Public Health, Competent Authority Ministers have issued new guidance and extended measures to keep Islanders safe this summer.

The Chief Minister's speech regarding an update on COVID-19

Minister for Health and Social Services's speech regarding an update on COVID-19

The Government of Jersey has published an update to the Co-Funded Payroll Scheme payments to businesses.

Children and young people and their nurseries, schools and colleges have been praised for their dedication and determination.

The latest COVID-19 vaccination statistics as at Sunday 4 July, show that 82% of all adult Islanders have had at least one dose of the vaccine, and 63% are fully vaccinated.

Speech by the Minister for Economic Development, Senator Lyndon Farnham

A speech by the Chief Minister, Senator John Le Fondre

Ministers have agreed updates to the Safer Travel Policy to better align to recent policy changes.

Competent Authorities Ministers have announced changes to the isolation requirements for direct contacts taking part in COVID testing.

Statement from Dr Ivan Muscat regarding the recognition of AstraZeneca vaccines manufactured in India for travel purposes.

Following advice from Public Health, and in consultation with the Scientific and Technical Advisory Cell (STAC), the following changes to the Safer Travel Policy are announced.

The Government of Jersey has responsed to an MHRA announcement regarding adverse reactions associated with COVID-19 vaccines made by Pfizer and Moderna.

The latest COVID-19 vaccination statistics as at Sunday 27 June, show that 81% of all adult Islanders have had at least one dose of the vaccine, and 60% are fully vaccinated.

Ministers announce updates to Stage 7 Reconnection and extension to economic support schemes

Ministers have agreed changes to the isolation period for children and young people who have been identified as a direct contact of a COVID positive person.

Lateral flow testing is now open for a greater number of businesses who can sign up to be part of the Community Testing programme.

As COVID-19 cases continue to rise, Islanders are being reminded to continue to keep their guard up and follow the public health guidelines.

Jersey’s Vaccination Programme is launching a campaign to encourage any remaining eligible Islanders to book for their first dose of the COVID vaccine.

The latest vaccination statistics as at 20 June show that 92% of over 40s have had at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and 85% are fully vaccinated.

A speech by the Chief Minister, Senator John Le Fondre

Speech by the Minister for Health and Social Services, Deputy Richard Renouf

A speech by the Minister for Economic Development, Senator Lyndon Farnham

Ministers have agreed to relax the isolation policy for fully vaccinated direct contacts, and to extend the COVID Status Certification scheme to those who have been fully vaccinated outside the Common Travel Area (CTA).

Ministers announce updates to the Safer Travel Policy and Jersey’s Reconnection Roadmap

​As at Sunday 13 June, 75% of all Islanders aged over 18-years old had received one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine

Deputy Medical Officer of Health, Dr Ivan Muscat, has written to the school community

A further £6.8 million of Fiscal Stimulus funding is being released to a range of organisations including Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, The Shelter Trust, Jersey Hospice Care and the National Trust.

The COVID Safe team have successfully traced all current COVID-19 cases.

Ministers announce updates to the Safer Travel Policy for Summer 2021

Islanders aged 18-24 years old will be able to book their COVID-19 vaccine appointments from Sunday 13 June, with appointments starting on Monday 14 June.

Islanders can now access free places on a range of courses through Highlands College, due to funding from the Fiscal Stimulus Fund (FSF).

Changes to Stage 7 of Jersey’s Reconnection Roadmap

Islanders who have received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine will start to receive their COVID Status Certification in the post from today, Wednesday 9 June.

Islanders aged 25-29 years old will be able to book their COVID-19 vaccine appointments from tomorrow, Friday 4 June.

This week marks over 400,000 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests being carried out, and one-year since the border testing programme was launched for flight arrivals.

Competent Authority Ministers have announced their intention to proceed to Stage 7 of the Reconnection Roadmap on 14 June.

Recent results have found that a very small number of the 52 samples sent for sequencing are examples of the variant of concern B1.617.2 variant, which was first identified in India.

Latest statistics show that 103,044 Covid-19 vaccine doses have been administered, and half the Island’s adult population is fully vaccinated

Competent Authority Ministers have confirmed that, from Friday, 28 May at 00:01, national level UK and international travel classifications will come into effect, as previously announced.

Physical distancing guidance for funerals will be lifted, effective from Wednesday 26 May. This means that people can attend a funeral without maintaining one to two metres physical distancing from others, allowing more people to attend.

Ministers have announced details of the Children’s Safer Travel Policy and the COVID Status Certification

Taxi firms will be able to continue claiming under the Co-Funded Payroll Scheme (CFPS) until June.

The COVID-19 Vaccination Programme is making good progress - more than half of all Islanders have received one dose, and more than a third of all Islanders have had two doses

Islanders aged 50 years and over, or those in an at-risk group, awaiting a second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine will be offered it sooner than originally scheduled.

Eligible businesses within specific public-facing sectors can now register to participate in the Community Testing (Lateral Flow Test) programme. This will offer quick, easy, and accessible testing for COVID-19, on a weekly basis.

COVID-19 vaccination appointment dates for all remaining priority groups in Phase 2 of the Programme are now published, with appointments for 30-34 year olds starting this weekend.

The Council of Ministers have agreed several changes to the Safer Travel Policy, which was reintroduced for inbound travellers last month.

A statement from the Chief Minister, Senator John Le Fondré

A statement from the Deputy Chief Minister, Senator Lyndon Farnham

A statement from the Minister for Health and Social Services, Deputy Richard Renouf on the Safer Travel Policy

It is preferable for people under the age of 40 with no underlying health conditions to be offered an alternative vaccine where possible once they are eligible.

From Monday 10 May, updated COVID-19 guidance will come into force for schools, colleges and early years settings.

The Government of Jersey has responded to the Comptroller and Auditor General’s (C&AG) latest Covid report, focusing on the procurement process and supply chain management.

Islanders aged 35-39-years old will be able to book their appointments from Friday 7 May, with appointments to receive their vaccinations starting from Saturday 8 May.

The Minister for Health and Social Services, Deputy Richard Renouf has approved further amendments to the COVID-19 gatherings and events guidance.

The Government of Jersey’s COVID-19 Testing Strategy has been enhanced with a free, extended testing programme launching next month which will target cases in the community.

As at Sunday, 25 April, 60% of Islanders aged over 18 years have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. 35% of adults are now fully vaccinated having received two doses.

The Coronavirus helpline is amending its opening hours from Tuesday 4 May.

The Competent Authority Ministers have agreed changes to measures within the COVID-19 Reconnection Roadmap, following the advice from the Scientific and Technical Advisory Cell (STAC).

Jersey’s vaccination programme will follow the latest guidance issued from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation.

The traffic light system will resume for the UK and Crown Dependencies from Monday 26 April.

The Covid-19 Vaccination Programme is well underway, with 32% of Islanders aged over 18 now fully vaccinated (received both doses).

Jersey students returning to overseas university will be offered a free Lateral Flow Device (LFD) test for COVID-19 at the Airport drive-through, from next week.

The COVID-19 Vaccination Programme continues to roll out at speed, with 29% of Islanders aged over 18 now being fully vaccinated against COVID-19

Following a review into the early stages of a COVID-19 infection, it is now recommended for any individual who newly develops any one of eight symptoms, for o obvious or existing reasons, to immediately isolate.

Students in Years 11 and above - as well as all staff working in Government of Jersey and private nurseries, schools and colleges - are encouraged to book a PCR COVID-19 test this week.

Jersey will move into Stage 5 of the Reconnection roadmap from Monday, 12 April meaning further easing of restrictions, including new guidance for physical distancing, working from home and gathering limits.

Ministers have an announced that business-related COVID-19 support schemes will largely be extended from April 2021 to June 2021.

The COVID-19 Vaccination Programme has continued at pace, with over 5,000 second doses administered between 28 March and 4 April and 89% of care home residents now having received their second dose.

The COVID-19 Vaccination Programme is moving into Phase 2 of the roll out to Islanders.

Statements issued in response to recommendations from the UK regulatory body and expert vaccine advisers

The COVID-19 Vaccination Programme has made steady progress administering second dose vaccinations to Islanders.

Updated public health guidance on singing and the playing of brass and woodwind instruments as part of services of worship, weddings and funerals will come into effect on Friday 2 April, in time for the Easter weekend.

Islanders who are classed as being at higher risk to COVID-19 can reassess activities guidance and care home policy has been updated.

Jersey's Reconnection Roadmap is to be accelerated in the light of low rates of Covid cases, high rates of testing and contact-tracing, and the success of the vaccination programme

Jersey’s Nightingale Wing is to be decommissioned and dismantled, following a decision of the Competent Authority Ministers.

The Council of Ministers have updated travel requirements for students under the age of 18 who are returning to Jersey. This follows consultation with the Scientific and Technical Advisory Cell (STAC).

A total of 52,265 doses have been administered by age and priority group order.

A 4insight survey, commissioned by the Government of Jersey, has gathered feedback and views from Islanders regarding advice and communications in relation to COVID-19 vaccinations, and government public health guidelines.

Ministers are today announcing the reintroduction of a Safer Travel Policy, which will enable the Island to reconnect with the rest of the world, through a phased approach.

The Chief Minister, Senator John Le Fondré, has made a speech on the reintroduction of the Safer Travel Policy

Deputy Chief Minister, Senator Lyndon Farnham announces travel reconnection plans for April

Medical Director for Primary Care, Dr Adrian Noon, gives an update on the COVID-19 vaccination programme

Statement from Head of the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme, Becky Sherrington regarding the use of AstraZeneca.

The COVID-19 Vaccination Programme will offer vaccinations to Islanders under 50 years old, in age order.

Statement from a Government spokesperson regarding the AstraZeneca vaccine.

The Visitor Attractions & Events Scheme 2 replaces the original scheme from today.

Ministers have agreed additional guidance to support Stage 4 of the COVID-19 Reconnection plan which are effective from Monday, 15 March.

A decision has been taken by Competent Authority Ministers (CAM) to bring forward the Stage 4 guidance on household mixing by one day.

Updated Public Health guidance for care home residents, staff and visitors has been approved, effective from Friday 12 March.

A review of Jersey’s COVID-19 Vaccination Programme has concluded that it is reasonable and safe to use a different COVID vaccine for second doses.

Ministers have outlined the next stages of their plan to reconnect Islanders by relaxing more of the existing Covid measures

Speech by the Chief Minister, Senator John Le Fondre

A speech by the Deputy Chief Minister, Senator Lyndon Farnham

A speech by the Minister for Health and Social Services, Deputy Richard Renouf

This weeks latest COVID-19 Vaccination Programme statistics include further data publishing of priority group vaccination coverage including, frontline health and social workers and other health and social workers.

Appointments for second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine will begin to be available from next week for Islanders who received their first dose 10-12 weeks ago.

Following advice from the Deputy Medical Officer of Health, Dr Ivan Muscat, Ministers have agreed to maintain isolation requirements for any student returning to Jersey.

Hospitality venues reopened for seated food service on Monday 22 February, and this weekend Islanders are reminded to meet others only for a meal or a non-alcoholic drink, not for any other form of social gathering.

Statement regarding the Joint Committee for Vaccinations and Immunisation (JCVI) have announced their recommendations for the phase 2 roll out of the COVID-19 vaccine.

From Monday 1 March, singing, brass, and woodwind music will be allowed in outdoor settings only, for up to 10 adults.

The latest COVID-19 vaccination statistics (as at Sunday, 21 February) show that 29, 312 doses have been administered to Islanders.

Islanders aged 60-64 will be able to book their COVID-19 vaccine appointments from tomorrow, Thursday, 25 February, as part of the next eligible group outlined by the Joint Committee for Vaccination and Immunisation (JVCI).

More Islanders will have access to the COVID Alert App, including Islanders using older iPhones, and young people aged 13 and older.

Islanders at Moderate Risk who are aged 45-54 are to receive letters inviting them to receive their vaccination

Individuals known to GPs and Learning Disability services, who have learning disabilities, are able to access their COVID-19 vaccine at the day service centre, Le Geyt, as part of a joint initiative with the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme.

A small Covid outbreak has been identified and contained

Following the announcement that certain hospitality services will open on Monday 22 February, the Government has issued guidance for Islanders and businesses to follow.

The latest COVID-19 vaccination statistics (as at Sunday, 14 February) show that 2657 first doses have been given to clinically extremely vulnerable (high risk) Islanders.

Statement by the Chief Minister, Senator John Le Fondré, on plans for social and economic reconnection

As the active COVID-19 case numbers steadily decrease and restrictions are gradually relaxed, Dr Ivan Muscat is asking everyone to ‘keep your guard up’.

From today, children (under 18) can take part in any outdoor sport or exercise so long as the number of participants does not exceed 35.

Deputy Chief Minister speech from Press Conference.

Health Minister speech Reconnection Stage 3.

The Chief Minsiter's speech from Press Conference.

Ministers have agreed to continue the gradual relaxation of Covid measures in controlled settings. This in view of the low number of daily positive cases and follows advice from the Scientific and Technical Advisory Cell (STAC).

All schools, colleges and nurseries have received letters of praise today for their efforts in being one of the only places in the British Isles to open schools, colleges, and nurseries, so far, this year.

The latest COVID-19 vaccination statistics (as at Sunday, 7 February) show more than 20,000 first doses have been given to priority groups representing the Islands most vulnerable.

Islanders who are clinically at risk (moderate risk) from COVID-19 will receive letters this week inviting them to book their vaccine appointments.

The Lateral Flow Testing Programme is now in place across all schools and colleges and for students in Years 11 and above.

The Deputy Medical Officer of Health, Dr Ivan Muscat MBE, has updated the list of COVID-19 symptoms.

The Government of Jersey has launched the Fixed Costs Support Scheme (FCSS) to provide additional financial support for businesses.

Businesses who offer close contact services can reopen from tomorrow, Wednesday 10 February, with full risk assessments and safety plans completed, following the continued reduction of Covid-19 case numbers in the Island.

Over the next six weeks charities and organisations, in partnership with Government, will be raising awareness and sharing ideas on how to ‘Feel Good’ as the end of winter approaches.

Medical experts in Jersey are continuing to send COVID-19 samples to Public Health England for sequencing following the discovery of four positives in Jersey with the presence of the Kent variant (B.1.1.7).

Preparations in St Helier for reopening of non-essential shops

The Government of Jersey has issued guidance to enable safe visits to care home residents.

Announcement on the next stage of reconnection by the Minister for Health and Social Services

Ministers announce next stage in reconnecting the Island

Ministers announce next stage in reconnecting the Island

A panel has been established to consider exceptions to the agreed COVID-19 vaccination priorities

The Minister for Health and Social Service has made an amendment to the COVID-19 (Workplace Restrictions) Order which means that anyone who enters retail premises must always wear a mask while on site.

Critical workers travelling to Jersey, whose employers apply to exempt them from the usual isolation requirements, will soon have to meet new testing requirements

The Government of Jersey have commissioned 4insight to conduct an Island wide survey to establish the public’s views on the COVID-19 vaccination to ensure the Programme is understanding the needs of Islanders.

The weekly COVID-19 vaccination statistics indicate the programme is delivering the vaccine to priority groups efficiently and is on target with capacity to vaccinate all Islanders over 50 by the end of April.

The Acting Minister for Education, Deputy Jeremy Maҫon visited Rouge Bouillon Primary School today to see first-hand the safety steps that they have implemented since pupils return to school.

Adults who are at increased risk of severe illness and mortality from COVID-19, will receive a letter from Government inviting them to book their COVID-19 vaccine.

Statement from the Minister for Health and Social Services regarding care home visits

Islanders can now call the Coronavirus Helpline for free following an agreement with JT.

Health Minister announces a delay to the reopening of non-essential retail outlets

Islanders aged over 80 who opted to receive their COVID-19 vaccine at their homes instead of Fort Regent will start to receive them this weekend.

The Minister for Health and Social Services, Deputy Richard Renouf will sign extensions to COVID-19 Orders, which act as temporary legislation, on a monthly basis from 31 January.

Speech made by the Minister for Economic Development at a COVID-19 press conference.

Speech made by the Health Minister at a COVID-19 press conference.

Islanders aged 75-79 will be able to book their COVID-19 vaccine appointments from Monday, 25 January as part of the next eligible group as outlined by the Joint Committee for Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) vaccination schedule.

In response to new variants of COVID-19 being identified in South America, Ministers have agreed to introduce further restrictions at Jersey’s borders.

Faith leaders in Jersey are encouraging and reminding Islanders who are aged 80 and over to book their free COVID-19 vaccination appointment.

The latest COVID-19 vaccination statistics as at 10/01/2021

Over 200 Islanders have joined the COVID-19 vaccination programme as volunteers to work as part of the support team.

I want begin by echoing your thanks to all Islanders, who have responded as a community to the new laws and guidance brought in just before Christmas.

We are in a better place now than we were in mid-December with about 25 new cases per day instead of the 78 or so new cases per day we saw before Christmas.

Ministers agree staged process for reconnecting the Island

From today, Islanders aged 80 and over can now book their free COVID-19 vaccination through the online booking system.

COVID restrictions on gatherings and workplaces are extended until Ministers meet to discuss a review of their impact

Chief Minister issues statement in response to the UK Prime Minister's announcement

From Wednesday 6 January, Islanders aged 80 and over can book to receive their free COVID-19 vaccination as part of Tier 2 of the Government’s COVID-19 vaccination programme.