Retail set to reopen next week

Wednesday 20 January 2021

Non-essential retail businesses are set to open next Wednesday, with hair and beauty salons scheduled for the week after, provided there is no significant change in covid case numbers, it has been confirmed.

The measures form the next step in Ministers' plan to gradually bring the island out of 'lockdown lite'.

They'll be outlined in a press conference tomorrow evening, alongside an announcement on "enhanced financial support" for all Jersey businesses.

In a statement released shortly before 23:00 this evening, the Government explained that the decision to relax the restrictions, which have been in place since Christmas Eve after covid cases topped 1,000, came following a meeting of scientific and medical experts on Monday to consider the latest covid case data and analyse the impact of the Christmas period and reopening of schools.

Pictured: Close contact services, such as hair and beauty, should be able to resume on 3 February.

"They presented their findings and advice to Competent Authority Ministers this afternoon and Ministers discussed whether it would be appropriate to move to the second stage of reconnection," the statement read.

"They have agreed that, with the data currently in front of them, they can give indicative opening dates of January 27th for non-essential retail and February 3rd for close contact businesses including hair and beauty etc.  These decisions remain subject to continued review of the positive case numbers.

"Further details of this process, and the enhanced financial support, will be discussed with States Members before a press conference at 19:00 tomorrow."

Press conference tomorrow at 7pm: the Chief Minister, Health Minister and Economic Development Minister will outline the cautious approach to reopening non-essential retail and close contact services, and the enhanced financial support being offered to all Jersey businesses. pic.twitter.com/kcxZMAcUhH

— Government of Jersey (@GovJersey) January 20, 2021

In a follow-up statement, they clarified that the relaxation of close contact services will not only include the hair and beauty industry, but massage therapy and tattoo and piercing services.

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