The Government of Jersey is launching a new campaign, encouraging Islanders to enjoy the opportunities offered by an easing of lockdown restrictions, while still adhering to the important public health measures that reduce the risk of catching and spreading COVID-19.
The campaign has been introduced following a move to Level 2 of the Safe Exit Framework and in response to the low numbers of COVID-19 cases on the Island.
The Government has followed public health officials in their guidance that the negative impacts on individuals and families of the prolonged lockdown far outweigh the risk of coronavirus transmission in Jersey. It is therefore encouraging Islanders to find a balance between becoming more social, gathering a little more, and enjoying more activities without triggering an unmanageable upsurge of infections.
- The ‘Safer Together’ campaign focus on four main areas to adhere to while enjoying the easing of restrictions:
- Safer hygiene – washing hands, catching coughs and sneezes in a tissue or elbow, avoiding touching your face, and keeping surfaces clean
- Safer at a distance – keeping a physical distance of 2 metres from anyone outside your household
- Safer in small groups – spending time with a smaller social circle to reduce the risk of passing on infection
- Safer outside – meeting other people outdoors wherever possible, where there is more room to physically distance
The campaign will run across social media, radio and print, and is available in five languages: English, Portuguese, Polish, Romanian and Jèrriais.
Assistant Chief Minister, Connétable Richard Buchanan, said: “This campaign is a testament to Islanders’ co-operation throughout this pandemic – it’s only because of their support that we are able to start easing rules.
“Lockdown has allowed the Island to prepare for – and suppress the spread of - COVID-19. But, we also know that it has had negative effects. As well as causing loneliness and stress, we’ve seen an 11% increase in reports of domestic violence, and a 65% decrease in referrals to Children’s Services, compared to the same period in 2019.
“That’s why we’re launching this campaign to encourage Islanders to take up all the benefits of spending time outside their homes, with family and friends, while still taking the necessary measures to stay safe.”
Government of Jersey News Release.