06 April 2020
I want to start by saying a huge ‘thank you’ for your cooperation over the weekend, by following the Stay at Home instruction.
You’ve really demonstrated the community spirit and respect for one another that makes our Island such a great place to live.
By staying at home, and observing social distancing when taking your two hours outside, you’re making a massive difference to the spread of coronavirus in Jersey.
You’re protecting the most vulnerable.
And you’re reducing the impact on our health services.
The States of Jersey Police and the Honorary Police have said they were very impressed by your response and have expressed their gratitude.
I’d like to thank them for the support they offered us all over the weekend; by providing additional patrols, giving helpful explanations where needed and encouraging Islanders to follow the rules.
There was just one example of someone being taken into custody for flouting the rules
We shouldn’t let this one small incident detract from the response of everyone else.
It’s a great start.
But we must keep it up.
As we enter the second week of the restrictions, and head towards the Bank Holiday weekend, I know this will become more difficult.
We must all persevere, use technology to communicate with friends and family, and share our experiences.
We need to find ways of using our time most effectively to protect our mental and physical health – so I hope that many of you will be joining the Home Time community on Facebook.
And we should look forward to the ways we will celebrate together when we can eventually ease the restrictions.
Her Majesty the Queen put it well in her address to the nation.
“We should take comfort that while we may have more still to endure, better days will return. We will be with our friends again. We will be with our families again. We will meet again”
Her message is one that resonates with Jersey especially, because it is one that Islanders have heard before, during the occupation.
We should continue to draw on that characteristic Island strength, and not forget the significant Liberation anniversary which we will still be celebrating - in a different way to usual - in just over a month.
Over the weekend we also provided an update on our healthcare position.
Today, we have had 155 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Jersey, 1228 negative results and we are awaiting the results of 66 tests.
19 islanders are currently being treated in hospital.
We’ve also sadly lost a third Islander, who had underlying medical conditions, to the effects of coronavirus.
We must never forget that each death has a massive impact on that person’s family, friends and community.
I would ask you all, whatever your faith or none, to keep these people in your thoughts and prayers as we head towards the Easter period.
Before I finish, I want to make an important request on behalf of our emergency services.
Please only call 999 for the Ambulance Service for a medical emergency. That means major trauma, like a heart attack, loss of consciousness, stroke, severe bleeding, severe breathing difficulties, an acute allergic reaction or severe burns.
It’s vital that we work together to preserve emergency staff for people who really need them.
I do understand that many Islanders will be looking for advice and support during this period.
We have a range of services that you can contact to get the help you need.
Also, remember that you can contact your Parish Hall for support.
You can find their details online at www.parish.gov.je or in the phonebook.
Thank you again, for your continued cooperation and understanding as we face this challenge. Please, stay home and save lives.
gov.je