BBC News Jersey

Jersey has one of the highest rates of coronavirus testing in Europe, according to the island's government.

For week 33 (10-16 August), Jersey's testing rate per 100,000 population was 9,400, followed by Luxemburg at 5,340, a comparison between statistics compiled by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and Jersey's government statistics show, it said.

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Jersey also turned out to have one of the lowest positivity rates in Europe at just 0.1%.

The deputy medical officer of health, Dr Ivan Muscat, said the island's response to the virus involved one of the "most robust arrivals and non-travel testing programmes in Europe".

Elaborating on the island's success in preventing the spread of the virus, Dr Muscat added: "In essence we are actively going out searching for virus in asymptomatic individuals at the border and elsewhere to prevent spread, over and above the continued testing of those with possible COVID symptoms."

An interim governor has been appointed for the States' prison service following the resignation of its governor.

Deputy Governor Nick Watkins, who is currently fulfilling the role of governor, will continue in the role for up to six months, starting on 1 September, following an arrangement by the Jersey Appointments Commission.

The recruitment process for a new, permanent prison governor is due to begin shortly.

The Minister for Home Affairs with responsibility for the Prison Service, Connetable Len Norman, thanked Mr Watkins for stepping into the role.

"Nick Watkins has been with the prison service for 32 years and will continue the work that has already been done to prioritise the welfare of prisoners and to focus on changing behaviour, rehabilitation into the community and reducing the risks of reoffending," he said.

Mr Watkins said he has had the "privilege of working with many talented people, past and present, all of whom I have learned from" since first joining the service.

"I look forward to serving the Island as acting governor," he said.

Retailers are being asked to inform the drafting of a law on the sale of single-use bags.

The legislation being developed will bring into force a proposition by Deputy Inna Gardiner banning the supply and use of some single-use plastic bags and paper bags by retailers.

It will also provide a minimum cost for reusable plastic 'bags for life'.

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Retailers are being asked how the law should be drafted and how its success should be measured. They are also being asked about their communication tools and how much time they would need to implement the changes.

Infrastructure Minister, Deputy Kevin Lewis, said: "The aim of the ban and minimum price is to reduce Jersey’s waste and move behaviour away from single-use, as this supports Jersey’s commitment to working together to address the climate emergency.

"By working with the retail industry, I hope that we can make this a success and help our island be a more sustainable place to live and work."