The Minister for Health and Social Services has lodged a proposition to extend the COVID-19 (Enabling Provisions) (Jersey) Law 2020 until December 2022.
The current Enabling Law, which expires on 1 August 2022, allows the States Assembly to make necessary provisions as a result of COVID-19 in Jersey and introduce legislation to address challenges related to the virus.
At the end of January, Competent Authority Ministers announced a phased approach to the de-escalation of COVID-19 restrictions in Jersey. This includes a commitment to review all currently legislation.
The proposed extension of the law falls in line with plans outlined by the Government to de-escalate COVID-19 restrictions. This will also enable the next Council of Ministers to review the need for legislation and bring any changes to the new States Assembly later this year.
The Minister has also proposed to expire most other COVID-19 legislation on 30 April 2022. This includes previously suspended legislation that introduced restrictions on workplaces such as face masks, restrictions on gatherings, and physical distancing measures.
The only regulations that will be retained, but kept in suspension, are those that might prove useful in the event of an enhanced risk from COVID-19, including arrangements around Safer Travel.
Minister for Health and Social Services, Deputy Richard Renouf, said: “I would like to thank Islanders for doing their part in our fight against COVID-19. The introduction of our vaccination programme has led to a significant reduction in severe illness and minimised disruption to critical services.”
“While we have come a long way and we are in a positive position to be lifting restrictions, it is necessary to retain the Enabling Law as a contingency measure so that action can be taken quickly to protect public health should the pandemic situation change.”
Government of Jersey News Release.