Jersey's waste centres are gradually reopening as part of the lifting of lockdown measures.

Islanders will be able to drop off their green waste at La Collette from Saturday, with its household recycling opening from Wednesday.

Mini recycling centres across the island will reopen from Tuesday, the government said.

It has told islanders to expect queues of more than an hour at La Collette and to follow social distancing guidelines.

Only one person must attend in each car, and they must unload their waste themselves.

Opening times during the bank holiday weekend are:

• 2-3 May: Household green waste reception at La Collette 08:00-16:00 BST
• 4 May: All sites at La Collette closed
• 5 May: All household sites at La Collette closed
• 6-7 May: Household Reuse and Recycling Centre (HRRC) at La Collette reopens 08:00-16:00 BST
• 8- 9 May: All sites at La Collette closed

From 10 May sites will be open Wednesday to Sunday 08:00-16:00 BST and will be closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Restaurants and cafes will be allowed to open an outdoor seating area in a "staged approach", the government has said.

Senator Lyndon Farnham said it would "not be wise" to allow all restaurants to open at the same time.

"We want to open in a manageable way to protect people so everybody doesn't rush out on the 12th and fill up the alfresco eating areas."

He added he was "keen to get these businesses taking money again."

Senator Lyndon Farnham has said the government hopes to rebuild "strong links" with the airline EasyJet after the coronavirus passes.

It follows the news that British Airways may abandon its Gatwick operation.

The minister for Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture said he was "confident" that Jersey would see new Heathrow links created by British Airways.

Jersey's health minister has said it is "not helpful" to test everyone at this stage.

Deputy Richard Renouf said the government estimated the virus has entered about 5% of households.

"A mass testing of people isn't going to help too many," he said.

"In weeks to come that will certainly remain under consideration," but added "active discussions" were not currently being held.

Mr Renouf said there remained "some doubt" whether antibody tests could confirm immunity to the virus.

The minister for Economic Development has said there are "no plans" for the government to take control of Jersey Gas.

On Wednesday the utility provider announced it would be raising prices by 6.5% as it had been given no short-term support from the government.

Senator Lyndon Farnham said the States were unable to help the company at present because it had not received "vital financial information on their business and their parent company".

He said the government was awaiting the information following a meeting held with the firm earlier.

Senator Le Fondre has confirmed the government has been subject to two leaks of information surrounding their response to the coronavirus.

A statement from the States of Jersey said: "The unauthorised sharing of briefing material before today’s official announcement has been investigated.

"The States Greffier has apologised for this action by a member of his team and is now considering appropriate disciplinary measures."

An investigation is being led by Jersey's chief executive in relation to a second incident, the chief minister said.

Jersey's chief minister has reminded islanders of the risk coronavirus still poses to people in the island.

"Although we are in a good place as of today... that wave is still out there.

"The virus is still present on the island and it does still pick on vulnerable people", he said.

Deputy Richard Renouf said grandparents were still considered "vulnerable" people and physical distancing must be maintained.

People in Jersey are being encouraged to seek medical advice if they feel unwell or experience new and "unexplained" symptoms.

Chief Minister John Le Fondre said he was concerned that islanders with serious underlying health conditions had been confined to their homes for weeks.

"If you are in that position, and are struggling in any way with these continued restrictions, you should not think that the brave thing to do is 'get on with it' or 'suffer in silence'."

"You are showing courage by asking for help yourself," he said.

A list of Jersey's support services can be found here., external

Jersey will have to reimpose strict lockdown measures if islanders do not abide by the phased exit strategy, the chief minister has said.

Senator John Le Fondre said the strategy is expected to take "a number of months" and urged islanders to act responsibly.

"If we fail to act as a community, then we risk an unacceptable increase in cases, with more stress put on our hospital," he said.

A staged approach would avoid "overwhelming" the island's health services, he added.

The 'Stay at Home' order will be lifted for people in Jersey from 12 May.

Jersey's chief minister said the island will enter Level Three of its exit strategy when current lockdown measures expire on 11 May.

In level three there will be no "general restriction" on time spent outside the home, the government said.

Islanders can meet outdoors in groups of up to five, as long as they maintain a physical distance.

Restaurants and cafes will be able to offer food for customers seated outside and while physically distanced from one another.

Pubs and bars must be able to offer meals if they plan to reopen their outside area and drinks only service will not be allowed.

The government said shops would also begin to open, subject to "strict physical distancing and hygiene guidelines".

Businesses could allow some employees to return to work in indoor offices, so long as it did not risk close personal contact.

Islanders will be allowed to spend four hours outside of their home for any outdoor activity from Saturday.

This will be increased from the current two hours a day people are allowed to leave their homes for essential activities including food shopping and exercise.

In addition islanders can meet up with two people from outside of their household so long as the 2m (6ft 6in) physical distancing - which is the new Government of Jersey name for social distancing - is maintained.

Jersey's Chief Minister John Le Fondre said the changes responded to an "unequal impact" of lockdown restrictions across people in the island.

"Those who live alone, or in cramped conditions, suffer more from the Stay at Home restrictions," he said.

The States of Jersey have announced their exit strategy for coronavirus.

There will be three 'phases' in which the island will gradually move through as it attempts to come out of lockdown, which is Level Four.

Details of each level are listed below:

• Level Three - Soft lockdown. The Stay Home order will be lifted, and some businesses will be able to operate. Off-Island travel will remain tightly limited, and schools will remain closed to begin with.
• Level Two - Soft Opening. More businesses with mitigation plans and appropriate distancing could reopen, alongside many community services. People will begin to be able to travel off-island again.
• Level One - Physical Distancing or 'the new normal'. People will be able to gather again in private homes and most venues will be permitted to open, with strict social distancing and hygiene measures in place.

Chief minister John Le Fondre has said it is likely the majority of people in Jersey have not had coronavirus.

He said infection rates would rise "steadily" as lockdown restrictions are lifted.

"That is why it is absolutely essential that we follow a careful, staged approach to lifting lockdown measures."

The exit strategy will follow "three distinct levels" as part of the phased approach, Senator Le Fondre said.

Rebecca Thorn
BBC News Online

Keith Beecham, chief executive of Visit Jersey, has encouraged islanders to take part in a Channel Islands "staycation" when lockdown restrictions are lifted.

He said the organisation was working closely with Guernsey colleagues to look at transportation links between the islands, in order to make the most of a "wave of opportunities" as rules are relaxed.

The tourism hub said its 2023 business plan had been made "redundant" by the virus outbreak.

Mr Beecham urged the government not to take away support measures away from the tourism industry too quickly.

"We're not going to return to the same world that we left a number of months ago," he said.

Rebecca Thorn
BBC News Online

The Government of Jersey has announced it will "double" the number of tests for people suspected of having coronavirus.

It expects about 500 swab tests to be completed each day by 11 May.

Tests will be given to all hospital inpatients, essential workers with symptoms, anyone who has been in contact with a positive case, and all those who are referred by GPs or care homes.

Healthcare workers, emergency services and prison and funeral directors will be tested "proactively", the government said.

It added residents and members of staff in a care home would be tested if a positive case emerged.

This week the government also announced it would be starting antibody testing at the weekend.

In addition there are plans to increase the island's contact-tracing team from 24 to 55 people.

Contact-tracing tracks down people who have been in prolonged contact with a person who has tested positive for the virus, to potentially ask them to self-isolate.

Chief Minister Senator John Le Fondre said the increase in testing would "inevitably" prompt an increase in the number of positive cases.

"The work we have done to flatten the curve has given us time to put in place measures to deal with a higher number of Covid-19 cases.

"The most urgent tests will be processed in our laboratory here, and the remainder will be done in the UK," he said.

Rebecca Thorn
BBC News Online

Charities in Jersey are now able to apply for financial support from the government through its co-funded payroll scheme.

The government has included charities in Phase Two of the scheme, meaning an organisation can receive up to 80% of each employees' wages, with a maximum of £1,600 per person each month.

Charities that are unable to pay the required 20% contribution can still claim under the scheme by giving proof that they have no cash reserves.

Volunteers with accounting experience can be contacted on the 'ConnectMe' website , externalfor charities that require help with their application.

Liz Le Poidevin, chairman of the Association of Jersey Charities, said: "Many charities are now having to dip into their reserves to pay staff so it is very important that they, as employers, also have access to this funding.

"They have all had to cancel vital fundraising events that would normally see them through.

"Their staff are vitally important to their normal activities, and at the moment, many of them are going above and beyond to help their clients remotely."

Online applications for the scheme can be made on the government website., external

Children who have fallen behind in their education during the coronavirus pandemic may be offered extra teaching during the summer holidays, Jersey's Education Minister has said.

Senator Tracey Vallois has decided to keep States-supported schools and colleges closed until at least 1 June.

She said the decision to open up schools during the summer would depend on how well the island is able to flatten the curve.

"There may be an opportunity to open up for certain groups of children to try and improve, help and assist them where they might have fallen back in their education", she said.

Rebecca Thorn
BBC News Online

The States of Jersey will debate extending the period of time in which dogs can be without a lead on beaches.

The amendment, lodged by Senator Steve Pallett, would allow owners to walk their dogs without a lead until Stay at Home restrictions are lifted.

It would also permit people to ride their horses on the beach until the lockdown ends.

An online petition calling for the changes has received more than 1,300 signatures.

The current law requires dogs to be kept on leads between 10:30 and 18:00 BST from 1 May to 30 September.

Attorney General, Mark Temple QC, said people will not be punished for walking pets without leads until the States consider the proposal on 12 May.

"The measure will provide for greater flexibility and address concerns that restricted hours could result in larger numbers of people using beaches during the early morning and evening, making it harder for them to comply with social distancing guidance", the government said.

The story of war veteran Captain Tom Moore, who has raised millions for the NHS, has touched many people.

For one man it was seeing the captain - now an honorary colonel, an appointment made as he celebrates his 100th birthday - wearing the same medals as his father.

This personal connection inspired a tribute in sand.

Rebecca Thorn
BBC News Online

Jersey's Medical Officer of Health, Dr Susan Turnbull, is returning to her role after a period of sick leave.

She will take over the position from Dr Ivan Muscat who has been acting up during her absence.

Dr Turnbull said: "I have followed the international and national developments in the global pandemic and I am looking forward to contributing to the island’s response.

She thanked Dr Muscat for his efforts during the crisis and said the pair would be "working closely" as they moved forward.

Dr Muscat, a consultant in Communicable Disease Control and Microbiology will "continue to focus on the Covid-19 strategy and policy guidance", the States said.