Guernsey Press

WATCH: Coronavirus: Guernsey must heed advice and get used to 'new normal'

GUERNSEY must get used to a 'new normal' for however long it takes for the 'coronavirus crisis' to finally be over.

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Press Conference at Beau Sejour has stated further details on the Coronavirus and plans to keep people safe. Conference panel Left to Right: Mark de Garis, Health & Social Care president Heidi Soulsby, Deputy Gavin St Pier, Director of Public Health Dr Nicola Brink, Chief Executive Paul Whitfield and Chief Operating Officer Jason Moriarty. Picture by Sophie Rabey. 17-03-20. (27518867)

There are baseline things that islanders must now get used to, the island's most senior politician has said, such as practicing frequent and effective hand-washing, adopting new social greetings, discouraging large gatherings and generally maintaining some physical distancing from one another – particularly those over-65 or with underlying health conditions.

Deputy Gavin St Pier said these measures alone will reduce infections by 60% so everyone, young and old, must comply.

‘It is not about protecting you, it is about protecting others.’

The statement came at a media briefing which was broadcast where new travel measures were introduced, backed by strict new emergency powers

He said most islanders will still be able to go out and about generally, providing Public Health advice is being rigidly complied with.

‘As a community with huge resilience, [although] we have some tough times ahead, we will get through this.

‘We will remain in this high risk state for some time but there is only so much that government can do to prepare.’

The success of this containment plan will largely come down to each and every islander’s compliance with the advice given.

‘We will be able to maintain a “new normal” of daily life until this crisis is finally over.’

Picture by Sophie Rabey. 17-03-20. Health & Social Care president Heidi Soulsby. (27518466)

Health and Social Care president Deputy Heidi Soulsby said the majority of the community was heeding the advice and ‘upping our game’ when it comes to social distancing and good hygiene.

She also thanked those who had offered to help the more vulnerable in our community, saying this was crucial to getting through this time.

‘However, sadly there has been a very small number of people who have been ignoring Public Health advice.

‘This selfish behaviour is deemed completely unacceptable, putting the lives of others at risk and we cannot allow that to continue.’

As such, the Civil Contingency Authority will imminently be approving regulations providing emergency powers.

Deputy St Pier clarified that this did not mean everybody had to sit at home and watch Coronation Street, but islanders should note the seriousness of the situation and make informed decisions about what is essential and what is not when it comes to protecting the community and the island.