Liberation 75 celebrations scaled back

Wednesday 18 March 2020

Celebrations for the 75th anniversary of the Liberation of the island have been scaled back due to the covid-19 outbreak, as event organisers are being advised to cancel or postpone large public gatherings.

The Liberation Day Ceremony, which is traditionally held in Liberation Square, is one of the events that will be cancelled.

Liberation Day attracts the largest gathering of senior citizens in Jersey.

It's feared that would put the over-70s - who are among those most susceptible to catch the virus along with islanders with underlying health issues and weak immune systems - at risk.

Pictured: The Liberation Day Ceremony will be cancelled.

It is hoped the scaled-back celebrations will help relieve pressure on public services, such as the health sector and the police under what has been described as "unprecedented circumstances".

It will also assist in efforts to slow the spread of infection by preventing carriers of the virus from coming into close contact with others, and discouraging tourists from abroad to visit the island for Liberation 75.

“Our first concern must always be the health and wellbeing of the people of Jersey," the Bailiff, Mr Tim Le Cocq, said. "The advice from Government is clear and it is in the best interests of the people of Jersey to cancel Liberation 75 events.

"It is sad and disappointing for such a milestone anniversary however, public health must be, and is, the priority. We hope to put together an appropriate, but more limited, programme and will keep everyone informed about this.”

Pictured: Events in parishes have also been cancelled.

Constables have also taken the decision to cancel events in their respective parishes "with a heavy heart". "Parish events offer a vital opportunity for senior citizens to see other people and socialise – in many circumstances, it is their only opportunity to do so," Constable Deidre Mezbourian, Chair of the Comité des Connétables, said.

"I know it will be particularly upsetting for those Islanders who experienced occupation, however, given current official Government and health advice, we believe it is in everyone’s best interests to cancel the parish events this year.”

Following recommendation from the Deputy Medical Officer of Health, Dr Ivan Muscat, the Emergencies Council has restricted public gatherings - if they last for more than two days and involve 150 people or more in close contact - for the next 10 weeks.

People are also asked to be responsible when attending smaller events, based on their own risk profile, with over-65s advised to socially distance themselves, whenever possible, outside their own homes.

“Officers are already in contact with the organisers of major events but, in addition to recommending that large events are cancelled, we are urging individuals to think about the impact of attending events that fall below the threshold, including regular sporting and social events," the Chief Minister, Senator John Le Fondré said.

“It is down to us all as individuals to assess whether attending an event will increase the risk of the disease being spread, particularly to friends and family who are more vulnerable than us. We want everyone to consider the latest health advice when deciding whether to attend.”

Event organisers and attendees are being asked to:

• strongly discourage anyone who is sick with fever or respiratory symptoms from attending;
• encourage those who are at higher risk of serious illness not to attend.
  • find ways to give people more physical space so they aren’t in close contact
  • ensure adequate supplies of hand hygiene materials and urge attendees to wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, alcohol-based hand sanitizer can be used.
  • advise attendees to:
    • avoid close contact with other people.
    • avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth.
    • cover their cough or sneeze with a tissue - if available - or their elbow.
• clean surfaces with disinfecting wipes and other standard cleaners before, during, and after the event.

Pictured: This year's Boat Show has been cancelled.

In the wake of those announcements, Ports of Jersey have taken the decision to cancel the Barclays Jersey Boat Show, which was due to take place between 2 and 4 May.

They said: "Whilst we are obviously disappointed in having to take this action, we believe it is the right decision to protect the Island community and that an early decision provides clarity for all concerned."