Hospitality and fisheries amongst sectors to get support
Rebecca Thorn
BBC News Online
Senator Lyndon Farnham has announced which employment sectors will receive a "subsidised payroll" from the government.
Hospitality, retail, wholesale, agriculture, and fisheries will receive up to £200 a week, per employee as part of the "Coronavirus Payroll C-funding scheme".
Senator Farnham said the government planned to offer the subsidy to more sectors "as soon as possible".
Both playgrounds closed at Coronation Park
The closure comes as schools closed across the island.
They are currently due to reopen after the Easter break.
BBCCopyright: BBC
Government to pay some employers up to £200 per employee
Rebecca Thorn
BBC News Online
The Government of Jersey has said it will pay some employers up to £200 a week per employee, in response to the coronavirus.
The "Coronavirus Payroll
Co-funding Scheme" will be paid "retrospectively" to "sector-specific employers", the government said.
It is set to come into effect from Friday, with the first payment due at the beginning of April.
A long-term solution will be debated by the States at the end of April.
The minister for economic development and minister for social security are due to announce further details later.
Advice for parents as schools close
Rebecca Thorn
BBC News Online
The Government of Jersey is offering advice for parents and carers after it was announced schools will close from Monday.
Any arrangements made for children must involve a suitable, responsible person you trust
The NSPCC advises children under 12 years old should not be left home alone
If you are able to work from home, appropriate care and supervision should be given to children
Consider the risk of grandparents caring for children
Examples of things to do:
Talk to children about the virus and how to stay safe
Small gatherings of friends and family, for short-periods of time and ideally outside, can have a positive impact on children's mental wellbeing
Learning should continue at home - materials have been provided by schools
Support children to keep in contact with friends and family over the phone and via social media
Avoid:
Group playdates, sleepovers, birthday parties, movie nights and large gatherings
Confirmed cases rises to 12
Rebecca Thorn
BBC News Online
A total of 12 people have now tested positive for the coronavirus in Jersey.
There have been 372 negative test results returned.
The Government of Jersey said it was waiting on 38 test results.
Lack of 'capacity' preventing more testing - Le Fondre
The inability to test everyone on the island comes down to "capacity", Chief Minister John Le Fondre said.
"It's a new virus, so in other words getting the technology... to do the testing has taken time."
Senator Le Fondre said the backlog of results for Jersey was because of daily limits on the number of tests that UK laboratories would test.
The UK would continue to conduct tests and "deal with the backlog" until on-island testing was put in place, he added.
Mr Le Fondre said a domestic testing facility would be in place "in a matter of weeks", but couldn't give an exact time frame.
"If we get it on-island, we can reduce the delay [to getting results] to a matter of hours," he added.
'Draconian' self-isolation powers over specific risk - Le Fondre
Chief Minister John Le Fondre said "draconian" powers to make avoiding self-isolation illegal were not being put in place "for fun".
"If you're isolation, you're there because there's a specific risk and we're trying to make sure that you stay isolated.
"And that hopefully does not put other people's lives in danger," he added.
However, Senator Le Fondre emphasised the mechanism to enforce isolation must be put in place democratically and the law had to be written "properly".
"I think the assembly so far has demonstrated it is willing to move fast."
Coronavirus strategy 'specific to Jersey' - Le Fondre
Chief Minister John Le Fondre said the island is pursuing a "strategy specific to Jersey", based on the advice of professionals.
The policy is driven by models using data and statistics emerging from other jurisdictions, Senator Le Fondre added.
He emphasised that Jersey was not "behind" the UK in terms of its strategy, but was based on the "timing of the medical advice" the States was getting.
"Because the UK is doing something today, it's specific to their circumstances.
"We don't necessarily have to do it today, but we might be doing it next week," Mr Le Fondre added.
For details of the government's actions and advice on coronavirus head to gov.je/coronavirus
Enforcement mechanism to be put before States - Le Fondre
A legal means to enforce self-isolation of islanders suspected of having coronavirus will be put before the States, Chief Minister John Le Fondre says.
Senator Le Fondre added he hoped the legislation would go before the States Assembly on Friday and come into force next week.
Currently the instruction to self-isolate is "voluntary" for arrivals since Friday, but "very strongly advised".
Mr Le Fondre said they were bringing the "next stage of enforcement, where people can
be compelled", but they also wanted to avoid "fatigue" over restrictions in Jersey.
"One of the things you don't do is you don't clamp down too
quickly if you don't need to."
Both islands' governments are working to set up on-island testing.
Veterans volunteer help for islanders
Former servicemen and women in Jersey are offering their help to islanders who need it.
The Jersey Joint Services Veterans Association has members from all armed services, who have now volunteered themselves for people who need basic help - fetching and carrying things or simple shopping trips.
Chairman Dean Cassin said members were very keen to get involved.
Hospital closes to visitors
Jersey's General Hospital has closed to visitors, as health staff care for two patients suffering from coronavirus.
The health department has also closed residential wards for older people to visitors - Oak Ward, Maple Ward and Sandybrook are affected.
The only places where visitors will be allowed are maternity, paediatrics and the special care baby unit.
Fishermen in Jersey have said they are experiencing extremely low sales as a result of the coronavirus.
Don Thompson, president of the Jersey Fisherman association, said export markets including France had collapsed, leaving the community "extremely worried".
"The last week has been a really difficult time for fishermen", he said.
Mr Thompson said they were looking to find solutions including an electronic system to allow people to bid online for their catch.
Civil service unions abandon industrial action
Rebecca Thorn
BBC News Online
Civil Service unions in Jersey have abandoned their industrial action amidst the coronavirus outbreak.
Members of the JCSA Prospect union and Unite union have been in dispute with the States of Jersey since last year over pay, and have been working to rule.
Richard Buchanan, vice-chair of the States Employment Board, said: "This is a welcome decision by our civil service unions at a critical time when
we all need to be pulling together to protect the health of Islanders and
government employees, and to provide key services to the people of Jersey."
Live Reporting
All times stated are UK
Get involved
BBCCopyright: BBC -
Any arrangements made for children must involve a suitable, responsible person you trust
-
The NSPCC advises children under 12 years old should not be left home alone
-
If you are able to work from home, appropriate care and supervision should be given to children
-
Consider the risk of grandparents caring for children
-
Talk to children about the virus and how to stay safe
-
Small gatherings of friends and family, for short-periods of time and ideally outside, can have a positive impact on children's mental wellbeing
-
Learning should continue at home - materials have been provided by schools
-
Support children to keep in contact with friends and family over the phone and via social media
-
Group playdates, sleepovers, birthday parties, movie nights and large gatherings
View more on twitterView more on twitter
Latest PostWhat are the symptoms for the new Covid variants?
By James Gallagher
Health and science correspondent
A new cough, fever and change in smell or taste are the key symptoms that mean you may have coronavirus.
Read moreHow the pandemic has changed the world economy
By Lora Jones, Daniele Palumbo & David Brown
BBC News
Key maps and charts explain how the virus has impacted markets and businesses around the world.
Read moreNo prosecution of man who 'failed to self-isolate'
An emergency coronavirus law in the Isle of Man means arrivals must quarantine themselves for 14 days.
Read moreHospitality and fisheries amongst sectors to get support
Rebecca Thorn
BBC News Online
Senator Lyndon Farnham has announced which employment sectors will receive a "subsidised payroll" from the government.
Hospitality, retail, wholesale, agriculture, and fisheries will receive up to £200 a week, per employee as part of the "Coronavirus Payroll C-funding scheme".
Senator Farnham said the government planned to offer the subsidy to more sectors "as soon as possible".
Both playgrounds closed at Coronation Park
The closure comes as schools closed across the island.
They are currently due to reopen after the Easter break.
Government to pay some employers up to £200 per employee
Rebecca Thorn
BBC News Online
The Government of Jersey has said it will pay some employers up to £200 a week per employee, in response to the coronavirus.
The "Coronavirus Payroll Co-funding Scheme" will be paid "retrospectively" to "sector-specific employers", the government said.
It is set to come into effect from Friday, with the first payment due at the beginning of April.
A long-term solution will be debated by the States at the end of April.
The minister for economic development and minister for social security are due to announce further details later.
Advice for parents as schools close
Rebecca Thorn
BBC News Online
The Government of Jersey is offering advice for parents and carers after it was announced schools will close from Monday.
Examples of things to do:
Avoid:
Confirmed cases rises to 12
Rebecca Thorn
BBC News Online
A total of 12 people have now tested positive for the coronavirus in Jersey.
There have been 372 negative test results returned.
The Government of Jersey said it was waiting on 38 test results.
Muratti Vase final postponed over virus
The Muratti Vase final between Jersey and Guerney or Alderney is postponed because of the coronavirus outbreak.
Read moreLack of 'capacity' preventing more testing - Le Fondre
The inability to test everyone on the island comes down to "capacity", Chief Minister John Le Fondre said.
"It's a new virus, so in other words getting the technology... to do the testing has taken time."
Senator Le Fondre said the backlog of results for Jersey was because of daily limits on the number of tests that UK laboratories would test.
The UK would continue to conduct tests and "deal with the backlog" until on-island testing was put in place, he added.
Mr Le Fondre said a domestic testing facility would be in place "in a matter of weeks", but couldn't give an exact time frame.
"If we get it on-island, we can reduce the delay [to getting results] to a matter of hours," he added.
'Draconian' self-isolation powers over specific risk - Le Fondre
Chief Minister John Le Fondre said "draconian" powers to make avoiding self-isolation illegal were not being put in place "for fun".
"If you're isolation, you're there because there's a specific risk and we're trying to make sure that you stay isolated.
"And that hopefully does not put other people's lives in danger," he added.
However, Senator Le Fondre emphasised the mechanism to enforce isolation must be put in place democratically and the law had to be written "properly".
"I think the assembly so far has demonstrated it is willing to move fast."
Coronavirus strategy 'specific to Jersey' - Le Fondre
Chief Minister John Le Fondre said the island is pursuing a "strategy specific to Jersey", based on the advice of professionals.
The policy is driven by models using data and statistics emerging from other jurisdictions, Senator Le Fondre added.
He emphasised that Jersey was not "behind" the UK in terms of its strategy, but was based on the "timing of the medical advice" the States was getting.
"Because the UK is doing something today, it's specific to their circumstances.
"We don't necessarily have to do it today, but we might be doing it next week," Mr Le Fondre added.
For details of the government's actions and advice on coronavirus head to gov.je/coronavirus
Enforcement mechanism to be put before States - Le Fondre
A legal means to enforce self-isolation of islanders suspected of having coronavirus will be put before the States, Chief Minister John Le Fondre says.
Senator Le Fondre added he hoped the legislation would go before the States Assembly on Friday and come into force next week.
Currently the instruction to self-isolate is "voluntary" for arrivals since Friday, but "very strongly advised".
Mr Le Fondre said they were bringing the "next stage of enforcement, where people can be compelled", but they also wanted to avoid "fatigue" over restrictions in Jersey.
"One of the things you don't do is you don't clamp down too quickly if you don't need to."
What is understood to be the first arrest of someone failing to self-isolate occurred in the Isle of Man.
Guernsey has already brought in a law.
Jersey reports no issues with accessing UK testing
The above statement is a response to a query from the BBC after the States of Guernsey reported delays in testing being carried out in the UK as it announced closing all schools.
Both islands' governments are working to set up on-island testing.
Veterans volunteer help for islanders
Former servicemen and women in Jersey are offering their help to islanders who need it.
The Jersey Joint Services Veterans Association has members from all armed services, who have now volunteered themselves for people who need basic help - fetching and carrying things or simple shopping trips.
Chairman Dean Cassin said members were very keen to get involved.
Hospital closes to visitors
Jersey's General Hospital has closed to visitors, as health staff care for two patients suffering from coronavirus.
The health department has also closed residential wards for older people to visitors - Oak Ward, Maple Ward and Sandybrook are affected.
The only places where visitors will be allowed are maternity, paediatrics and the special care baby unit.
English football suspended until 30 April
English football will be suspended until at least 30 April because of the continuing coronavirus outbreak.
Read moreConfirmed coronavirus cases rise to 10
The number of people in Jersey who have tested positive for coronavirus has risen by four to 10, the States has announced.
Two of the people with the virus have been confirmed to have no recent travel history.
There have been 323 negative tests for the virus, the States added.
Jersey fishermen 'worried' about future
Rebecca Thorn
BBC News Online
Fishermen in Jersey have said they are experiencing extremely low sales as a result of the coronavirus.
Don Thompson, president of the Jersey Fisherman association, said export markets including France had collapsed, leaving the community "extremely worried".
"The last week has been a really difficult time for fishermen", he said.
Mr Thompson said they were looking to find solutions including an electronic system to allow people to bid online for their catch.
Civil service unions abandon industrial action
Rebecca Thorn
BBC News Online
Civil Service unions in Jersey have abandoned their industrial action amidst the coronavirus outbreak.
Members of the JCSA Prospect union and Unite union have been in dispute with the States of Jersey since last year over pay, and have been working to rule.
Richard Buchanan, vice-chair of the States Employment Board, said: "This is a welcome decision by our civil service unions at a critical time when we all need to be pulling together to protect the health of Islanders and government employees, and to provide key services to the people of Jersey."